Since 2000, the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program has been offered to Pulaski County and surrounding counties. 

Master Gardeners are required to volunteer hours of service back to the community or in efforts that help Cooperative Extension. Over the course of this fiscal year, the Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners have volunteered almost 1000 hours of community service. Using hourly wage data from the Independent Sector, this amounts to roughly $21,170.

Not only do Master Gardeners help maintain three public gardens, but they also teach classes, set up booths at important community events, and are looked to as experts and leaders in the community.

Master Gardeners are also required to obtain CEUs to keep them up-to-date on horticulture topics. This group has earned over 260 hours of CEUs this year. In addition, two attended the State Master Gardener conference.

An Advanced Master Gardener has also taken the lead on obtaining grant funds to restore a local park to native species. With her lead, the Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners obtained grant funds totaling $5,500 to buy native plants, create and place signage, and do invasive species management. This volunteer has coordinated training Master Gardeners with the muscle of the Somerset Parks and Recreation Department and local school volunteer groups to get all this work done.

Overall, Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners have lost some members due to life changes but the group seems to be doing well even with slightly fewer active members. They are sought out to teach or consult so are viewed as important in this community.