Like gardening? Want to share your skills with your community or family? Master Gardener programs are creating an army of volunteers who contribute hours of knowledge and stewardship here in the local community. The 2017 Master Gardener Training class begins Feb. 28 and runs through March 30.
The main role of a Mississippi Master Gardener is to educate and help the gardening public by sharing science-based information as well as assist with gardens and beautification projects, explained Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent Reid Nevins with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Becoming certified is the beginning of many great opportunities for Extension Master Gardener members.
“You’ll be eligible to attend events such as garden tours, advanced horticulture lectures, hands-on workshops and Master Gardener community projects. These activities are a great way to spend time with fellow horticulture enthusiasts while expanding your gardening education,” he said.
Class meets
Once they begin, classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. The location of the interactive video training this year will be at the Lowndes County Extension Office at 318 Seventh St. N. in Columbus.
The program trains individuals who want to serve the County Extension Office as volunteers to assist in Extension horticultural programs, 4-H youth horticulture training and community service projects. Work is done under the direction of the Lowndes County Extension Agent.
This program requires 40 hours of initial training given by Extension specialists. After participants have satisfactorily completed 40 hours of volunteer time in their county during the 12 months following, each will be certified as an official Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.
To maintain certification in following years, individuals must attend 12 hours of advanced training and also volunteer 20 hours of service to the County Extension program annually. The Lowndes County Master Gardeners volunteer an average of 50-plus hours per year.
To enroll, participants are required to pay the $90 fee (checks payable to the Lowndes County Master Gardener Volunteers) that funds the training program, materials, CD and meeting refreshments. Should circumstances prevent you from attending the class after registration, $50 of that fee is refundable if claimed the first week of class. The Lowndes County Master Gardeners have an informative website, lowndescountymaster.wixsite.com/grow.
How to register
To register for the class please contact the Lowndes County Extension Office at 318 Seventh St. N., call 662-328-2111 or email Nevins at [email protected].
“Individuals who require special accommodations to participate should contact the Extension office in advance to make their request known prior to the program,” advised Nevins.
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