Celebrating the Volunteers who Power UConn Extension

April 20, 2026

three women wearing gardening overalls and smiling with plants in the foregroundDuring Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to celebrate the thousands of volunteers who make UConn Extension’s work possible. From supporting youth development and environmental stewardship to protecting local ecosystems and educating communities, Extension volunteers strengthen communities across Connecticut every day.

UConn Extension’s programs, including UConn 4‑H, the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program, invasive species management, Connecticut trail initiatives, and many others, depend on volunteers who generously share their time, skills, and passion in service of the public good.

The Impact of Extension Volunteers

Our volunteers amplify the reach and impact of UConn Extension by bringing science‑based education and hands‑on support directly into communities. Their collective contributions are both inspiring and measurable:

  • 183,000 volunteer hours contributed annually, valued at $7.02 million
  • 7,800 volunteers supporting invasive plant management efforts across 75 municipalities
  • 827 Master Gardener volunteers contributing 45,700 hours of science‑based education and educational outreach
  • 4,571 volunteers mentoring youth through 4‑H and supporting community programs statewide

Behind every workshop, garden, trail cleanup, educational event, and youth program are volunteers committed to making Connecticut healthier, more resilient, and more connected.

How You Can Support Volunteer‑Powered Programs

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, you can help honor the time, talent, and dedication of UConn Extension volunteers by making a gift in support of volunteer‑powered programs. Donations help provide the training, coordination, and resources volunteers need to continue serving communities effectively.

Gifts of any size are an investment in the people who give so much to others and in the communities they serve.

Support UConn Extension: http://s.uconn.edu/givetoextension
Support Master Gardeners: http://s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners

Thank you to our volunteers, and to everyone who supports their work, this week and throughout the year.