Be a Master Gardener
Local Master Gardener news, application information.
Return to:
UNL Extension helps you Know how. Know now.
Be a Master Gardener
News Release: Master Gardener Program Application Deadline January 27, 2012
Do you enjoy working in your garden and talking with friends about your newest plant acquisition? Do your friends ask you for advice on their lawns, vegetables and flowers? Then you should consider becoming a Master Gardener. You have all the qualifications and everyone is welcome so please join us!
What is a Master Gardener?
At UNL Extension, we teach adults and youth in many different settings, from classrooms to demonstration landscapes. So do our Extension Master Gardener volunteers. After attending 40 hours of classroom training on a variety of horticulture topics, Master Gardeners assist UNL Extension staff in providing lawn & garden information to residents of their county by teaching school enrichment classes, and teaching in demonstration landscapes. Master Gardeners also answer questions phoned-in to the Extension Office, diagnose plant samples and help maintain community gardens. The Extension Master Gardener program’s goal is to provide Nebraskans with the knowledge they need to create and maintain beautiful, healthy, sustainable landscapes, while conserving water, and protecting themselves and the natural environment from exposure to improperly applied or excessive amounts of pesticides and fertilizers.
Training
Master Gardener interns learn about a wide range of horticulture topics including soils, fertilizers, botany, plant selection, plant diseases, insects and weed control. Forty hours of classroom instruction gives them a good foundation in general horticulture, plus basic insect and disease control. After training, Master Gardener interns give back 40 hours of volunteer service in their community through a variety of activities.
Why get involved in the Extension Master Gardener program? First, because you love gardening. Each Master Gardener has their own special area of interest; a particular type of gardening or type of plant that they love to grow, whether it is roses, herbs, water plants, wildflowers, fruit trees or vegetables. Through the program, you will meet many great people who share your love of gardening and are always happy to share knowledge with you. And as a volunteer, you’ll be making a contribution to your community, creating beautiful, sustainable greenspaces.
How do you get started?
Complete and submit an application. Two Master Gardener programs are available for Lancaster county and surrounding areas. The UNL East Campus program is full, but the Lancaster County program is still taking applications. Application deadline is January 27th.
Weekday training classes- 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are held from mid-February through March, at the Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road. Contact Mary Jane Frogge for an application. (402) 441-7180
Program registration is $150.00 per person, which includes 40 hours of classroom training and the Master Gardener manual.
View this UNL Master Gardener Position Description
What if I don't live in Lancaster County, Nebraska? Many extension offices across the country have similar programs. Contact your local Extension Office
Find more of UNL Extension in Lancaster County on:
...friend us! join us! check out all our social media sites here.
