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The next Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class is scheduled for Thursday afternoons, 4-8 PM, September 5 through December 12, 2013. The cost of the program is $300 per person, and financial assistance is available to help offset costs. Registration can be completed HERE.
Master Gardeners, "Helping People Grow"
History of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program originated at Washington State University in 1972. It has since grown to over 600 programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia and several Canadian provinces.
Michigan State University Extension created and held its first Master Gardener Volunteer program in 1978. Today, more than 23,000 residents from more than 72 Michigan counties have earned and enjoy the “Master Gardener” designation. The Master Gardener Program was initiated in Northwest Lower Michigan in 1993, and has since trained more than 410 area residents.
What Is The Master Gardener Program?
The program is available to all citizens of Michigan and is designed to develop a cadre of volunteers trained in horticulture. Their knowledge and skills related to basic plant science and home gardening enables these volunteers to improve the quality of life in their communities. This is accomplished by increasing people's appreciation for and use of plants and by providing them with instruction on growing plants using environmentally sound practices.
Who Can Become A Master Gardener?
An individual interested in becoming a Master Gardener should possess the following qualifications:
- A strong interest in horticulture and home gardening.
- Willingness and availability to undertake extensive training in consumer horticulture practices.
- Willingness and ability to provide 40 hours of horticulture-related volunteer community service as approved by MSUE.
- Ability to communicate and share knowledge effectively and diplomatically with others.
- Willingness to support MSUE staff in giving citizens up-to-date consumer horticulture information.
How Can I Become A Master Gardener?
To become a certified Master Gardener you must attend all of the training sessions, pass a take-home exam and perform 40 hours of related volunteer service. Some examples of volunteer projects are the Children’s Garden at the Traverse City Area Public Library, the Leelanau Community Garden, providing gardening information and answering questions at the Extension office, or coordinating a Jr. Master Gardener program. There are many, many volunteer opportunities available!
When & Where Is The Master Gardener Class Offered?
The next Leelanau/Grand Traverse/Benzie Region Master Gardener Program will be offered from 4-8 PM, starting on September 5, 2013 and running through December 12, 2013. The 13 session course will be held at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Station (6686 South Center Highway/County Rd. 633), located in Bingham Township (See Map with directions). The course provides an overview of a variety of horticultural topics including:
- Introduction to Plant Science
- Soils
- Vegetable Culture
- Flower Gardening
- Lawn Care
- Small Fruit (Berries & Grapes)
- Tree Fruit
- Plant Health & Integrated Pest Management
- Indoor Plants
- Household Pests
- Woody Ornamentals
- Diagnostics
- Water Quality/Groundwater Stewardship
If you would like to know more about the Master Gardener Program, please contact Pam Schmidt Bardenhagen, Master Gardener Program Coordinator at 231-256-8323, or schmi345@anr.msu.edu.
Financial Assistance Form - Funding is limited. Please turn in before four weeks before start of class for full consideration.
Questions??
Please contact Pam Schmidt Bardenhagen, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, at the Leelanau MSU Extension office, at 231-256-8323, or email schmi345@anr.msu.edu.
For sdditional information, visit the Michigan Master Gardener Homepage.
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