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Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

Master Gardeners essential volunteers

The Master Gardener program continues to be a force in Middle Georgia.

Volunteers trained in this program are involved in a variety of different community activities. They include answering homeowners’ questions at local farmer’s markets, distributing locally grown produce at the annual Senior Market and teaching fourth- and fifth-grade students in the Junior Master Gardener program at local elementary schools. These volunteers are priceless to our local county extension offices, particularly in these times of budget reductions and staff shortages.

The Georgia Master Gardener Program (only a small portion of an international group), is a volunteer training program offered through the University of Georgia County Extension offices. In this program, individuals receive intensive training in horticulture, entomology, pathology and related areas. Upon completion of the class, these volunteers utilize their expertise and services to help educate others through horticultural projects that benefit our community.

In previous years, the class was offered every other year and trained approximately 50 interns at a time. However, this January, we will open the class to only 20 students who will go through an application process.

The 2010 Master Gardener class will begin Jan. 27 at the USDA station in Byron. Classes will be held each Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. (most days) through April 14. The new class will include students from Bibb, Houston and surrounding counties.

Most sessions will be held as lectures with either a live or recorded session. However, at least one class will be held at an off-site nursery. Upon completion of the class, interns are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer activities to become a certified Master Gardener.

In subsequent years, Master Gardeners must complete 25 hours of volunteer service to maintain their active status.

There are many more perks of being a Master Gardener than just community service. Opportunities for continued educational opportunities include advanced classes covering topics such as urban forestry, water resources and leadership. Recent field trips included venues such as Dickey Farms (peaches), Davis Farms (organic) and Monrovia (500 acre ornamental producer in Cairo).

Monthly Master Gardeners of Central Georgia and county updates are organized to keep volunteers aware of upcoming opportunities as well as offer educational sessions. Our local Master Gardeners also raise funds through events such as the Spring Home and Garden Show held in Perry and plant sales in Macon. These funds are used to support a wide variety of community projects.

The fee for the class is $175. This will include a book, state fees, name tag and speaker costs. If you are interested in taking the class, contact your local county extension office. Bibb County residents should contact Jodi at 751-6338 or jhartman@uga.edu for application materials. Houston County residents can contact Teddie at 987-2028 or mg@uga.edu.

Send your questions to Karol Kelly at the Bibb County Extension Office at 736 Riverside Drive, Macon. 31201. Call (478) 751-6338 or e-mail her at KarolK@uga.edu.