VERONA -- Gardeners who want to improve their own skills and give back to their communities can take advantage of an online training and certification opportunity this fa
Registration for the next class of Master Gardeners opens Aug. 13 and closes Sept. 12. Participants can begin their training Oct. 1, and all coursework must be completed by Dec. 2. These expert volunteers are trained and certified in consumer horticulture and related areas by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
“In exchange for 40 hours of educational training, participants return 40 hours of volunteer service within one year of their training,” said Jeff Wilson, Extension horticulture specialist and state coordinator of the Master Gardener program.
This year, all Master Gardener instruction is online and self-paced. It costs $125 to register for this training and then complete the 40 hours of community service in the first year.
Communities benefit in many ways from the volunteer work of their local Master Gardeners.
“Master Gardener volunteers experience the personal satisfaction of serving their community, gaining horticultural expertise and connecting with their local gardening community,” Wilson said.
After the first year’s 40-hour community service requirement is met, Master Gardeners continue to receive training and log a minimum of 20 community service hours a year to maintain their certified status.
This volunteer work helps local Extension offices reach a broader audience than is possible through just the efforts of Extension agents. Master Gardener volunteers also extend the educational arm of the university to the public by providing horticultural information based on university research and recommendations.
Wilson said Mississippi has about 1,400 active Master Gardeners. Similar programs are offered in each state through that state’s Extension Service
Those who want advanced horticulture training but not the volunteer service component can register for $200 for a home-gardening course. Additionally, anyone is welcome to pay $25 per class for select classes offered year-round without the volunteer component.
Register for the training and learn more about the Master Gardener program at http://msuext.ms/mg.
Cutline and alt text:
POTTING -- Register today for the next class of Mississippi Master Gardeners that begins Oct. 1. All training is self-paced and online. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Michaela Parker)
Alt text -- Two women work with potted plants outdoors.
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PLANTING -- Master Gardeners exchange 40 hours of training and certification in consumer horticulture for at least 40 hours of volunteer service within their communities. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Jeff Wilson)
Alt text -- A small group of people plant in a landscape.
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