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What is a Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who
assist University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
Extension Educators provide horticultural
information to Nebraskans. The Master Gardener
Program is a national program that
started in Washington State in 1972. Master
Gardeners provide only research-based information,
giving the public accurate and tested
answers to their questions.
Is Master Gardening for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to learn more about the culture
and maintenance of many types of plants?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and
intensive training program?
- Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge
with people in my community?
- Do I have enough time to attend the
training and to complete 40 hours of volunteer
work?
When do training classes for new Master
Gardeners begin?
In 2009, training classes will be held at the
UNL Extension- Dodge County Office beginning January 31st. Application deadline is January 23rd.
Please contact Sarah Browning for an application, or if you have questions. Or complete the online application below. If accepted into the
Master Gardener Program, you will be eligible
to attend Master Gardener Training.
What subjects will be covered during training?
The program covers topics in botany, soils, fertilizers,
lawn care, vegetable gardening, annual and
perennial flowers, trees and shrubs, water gardening,
insect, disease and weed control. Classes are
taught by University of Nebraska Extension staff.
What is the cost of Master Gardener training?
The cost to attend the basic 40 hours of training is
$150.00, which includes the Master Gardener
handbook, the turfgrass management guide and all other classroom handouts.
What type of volunteer activities can I choose
to participate in?
In exchange for training, participants are required
to volunteer one hour of service for each hour of
training received, but many people give even more.
Half of the required 40 hours, or 20 hours, must
be spent on the phone panel answering Nebraskans
horticulture questions. The remaining 20
hours can be used planting or maintain designated
public gardens, making horticulture presentations
to civic and garden clubs, helping with special horticulture
events.
Many volunteer projects are available and every
gardener is welcome; no matter how "green" you
are- we'll find a volunteer activity to suit you!
What is required after the first year?
Master Gardeners must re-certify annually to remain
active in the program. Re-certification consists
of completing 10 additional hours of classroom
training, and completing 20 or more hours
of volunteer service, 10 of which must be spent
answering questions on the phone panel.
For more information contact:
Sarah Browning
Extension Educator
University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension
1206 W. 23rd Street
Fremont, NE 68025
(402) 727-2775
sbrowning2@unl.edu
Or complete the on-line application.
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