2005 Master Gardener
Date: Feb 14, 2005
Contributor: Clinton Brabant
2005 Master Gardener training scheduled for March
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, White County, is seeking new applicants for the Master Gardener Program. A new series of training classes will be conducted in March on five consecutive Thursdays: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2005.
The program is open to anyone with a strong interest in gardening, a willingness to learn, and a desire to educate others in recommended gardening practices. Cost of the initial training and materials is $40.
All sessions will be held in Searcy. The location is to be announced. Each day's activities will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude about 4:30 p.m. The deadline for applications to be received is Feb. 15.
Participants will receive 40 hours of instruction in basic horticulture and research-based information. Information will include vegetable and fruit production, lawn care, use of ornamentals in the landscape, and other timely topics and on-site visits. Classes are under the direction of Extension Service agents and specialists. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.
New Master Gardeners are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer work within on year of their training. These hours can be obtained through project work and other Master Gardener projects and activities within White County.
Master Gardeners who wish to continue in the program each year must also re-certify for each successive year by completion of 20 hours of educational activities, and 20 hours of volunteer work on White County Master Gardener projects and activities. The participant's individual skills are utilized in filling this requirement.
In addition to the training, a monthly White County Master Gardener meeting is conducted for those who can attend, at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Educational presentations are made at those meetings, and projects and special events are planned by that group.
White County Master Gardener Projects
Education is the major emphasis of White County Master Gardeners. Since 1997, the group has assisted with youth horticulture activities and competitions. White County Master Gardeners sponsor the 4-H "Garden Fair" in mid-summer, providing judges and prizes, and assist county participants in both junior and senior categories, in preparation for the district and state 4-H O-Rama ornamental horticulture competitions.
Master Gardeners are currently teaching School Enrichment curriculum at elementary schools across White County. Volunteers wrote and developed materials in six subjects: Backyard Bird feeding, Butterflies, Seeds, Herbs, the Honey Bee, Down the Drain (Water Conservation). Already in this school year, Master Gardeners have reached over 1,200 students. Members are also frequently asked to present "mini-lessons" for civic groups, on gardening topics as diverse as herbs, roses, and soil testing.
Members welcome opportunities to help beautify public areas throughout White County.
For more information relating to "2005 Master Gardener", please visit our 2005 Master Gardener page.
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