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 2012 Master Naturalist Program  
Registrations for the 2012 Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program will open to the general public around March 15. If you are interested in being a 2012 Master Naturalist participant, please ask to be placed on the 2012 Master Naturalist Waiting List (download the 2012 Waiting List brochure).

In case you are not familiar with the Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program, it is similar to the Master Gardener program only with a focus on conservation and the environment.  To earn Master Naturalist certification, participants must complete 25 hours of Education (six classes), 30 hours of volunteering in an approved conservation setting and then passing a take home final exam.
 
The Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program is composed of a series of six classes which are offered on six different Saturdays mornings.  The 2012 classes will be offered on a Saturday morning from 8:00-12:30. The six locations vary but all locations are considered nature settings around the Grand Rapids area.  The titles of the six classes are as follows: 
- Overview to Conservation Theory and Practice
- Woodland Wildflowers
- Native Trees and Shrubs
- Michigan Wetland Habitats
- Invasive Plant Species
- Prairie Environments.
 
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for the 2012 Master Naturalist class, then download the 2012 Waiting list registration form.  Fill out the form and mail it back to Ginny Wanty at 775 Ball Avenue, Grand Rapids MI 49503.  Once placed on the waiting list then you will receive the 2012 class brochure earlier than others.

If you have questions regarding the Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program, please contact Ginny Wanty, Master Naturalist Program Coordinator at 616-336-3108 or at wanty@msu.edu .

Are you are ready to explore the out-of-doors this winter?  The Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program is pleased to be offering two Master Naturalist Supplemental Classes this winter.

“Naked Trees and Cold Feet” will be held on Saturday, January 21
from 8:00 to noon at Cannon Township Hall and Pickerel Lake. 
This class will be taught by Dr. Rob Keys.
In this class we will be learning the keys to identifying trees in the winter and learning how to track and identify animals who are active all winter long.
Download flyer for registration form and additional information.

“Stream Analysis” will be held on Saturday, February 11
from 8:00 to noon at Cornerstone University and Townsend Park.
This class will be taught by will be taught by Ray Gates.
In this class, participants will learn how to predict water quality.  Once the top layer of snow is removed, aquatic insects and crustaceans can be found in the moving water of Bear Creek. 
Download flyer for registration form and additional information.

These are pre-approved volunteer opportunities, please obtain approval from the Master Gardener Coordinator to apply your volunteer hours on a project that is not listed here. 
** Indicates a newer project. Please notify John Choals at 336-3283 if you reply to a posting.

Volunteer Opportunities (Extension Related):

Opportunities coming soon...

Volunteer Opportunities (Personal Choice):

Opportunities coming soon...

Kent/MSU Extension horticulture staff assist county residents in accessing research-based educational programs, information and materials that applies to

• home gardens
• lawns
• landscaping
• annuals
• bulbs
• perennials
• diseases
• insects
• pruning
• turf grass
• vegetable gardening
• small tree fruits
• soil testing
• other plant-related topics.

Another resource your Kent County Extension office has is access to the Michigan Master Gardener Program. You may ask "what is the Master Gardener Program?" and the answer would be: "Michigan Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). An interest in plants, a personal commitment to volunteerism and an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others are the only prerequisites for application. Applicants attend classes in their county, learning basic horticultural principles and environmentally sound gardening practices. They then provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to their community." Contact your county Extension office and talk with a Master Gardener volunteer with your specific questions, or talk about your interest in being a volunteer involved with this program!

MSU Extension Staff with Horticulture Expertise:

Rebecca Finneran, Horticulture Educator
finneran@msu.edu
616-336-3265

Master Gardener Lawn & Garden Hotline
616-336-3881

"The Mission of the Kent/MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to reach out to educate our diverse community by integrating research-based, horticultural knowledge and volunteer experiences to inspire gardening and environmental stewardship."

If you would like to visit the Grand Ideas Garden you may use one of the following links for a map.
775 Ball Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Google Map
Mapquest
Microsoft Live Map

Online Volunteer Record Keeping System
Volunteer Record Keeping Help

The newsletter will be e-mailed to active Kent/MSU Extension Master Gardeners. If you would like an additional copy, please download one below:

Green Pages Summer 2011
Green Pages Spring 2011
Green Pages Winter 2011
Green Pages Summer 2010

For the best local information check with your local MSU Extension office, listed by county in the directory.

Gardening in Michigan
Developed by MSU Consumer Horticulture Team with MSU IPM Program

 Master Gardener
The Michigan Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension. 

Ornamental Plants Plus
MSU Extension full text database on cultivars, diseases, and pests, management and planting. Very comprehensive. 

MSU Diagnostic Center
From the Diagnostic Center, information on the kinds of tests they run, how to take them, and the costs.

MSU Gardens
Links to many of the gardens, some with virtual tours. You will need to scroll down to see the listing.

MSU Extension Bookstore
Many bulletins on gardening topics, some online.