In El Paso County, an enthusiastic group of 75 Colorado Master Gardeners (CMGs) volunteer in the community by sharing research-based gardening education.
These volunteers are found at the gardening help desk on Spruce Street in Colorado Springs, a place where residents can ask their gardening questions via email, phone, Zoom or in person and bring in plants, insects, photos and more for diagnostic inquiries.
Volunteers also can be found at garden centers and events throughout the gardening season, and they are eager to support you as you work through gardening challenges.
The volunteers include speakers and writers, and some serve in supportive capacities behind the scenes. CMGs are frequently out in the native plant demonstration garden at 17 N. Spruce St., which is open to the public.
If you are a regular reader of this column, you might be interested in joining this community of gardening educators who have a passion for helping the community.
Applications are being accepted now for the Colorado Master Gardener program. The application period closes Aug. 31. If the idea of being a CMG and helping local gardeners learn and succeed appeals to you, think about applying this year. You don’t need to be a gardening expert; you just need to be willing to learn and then share what you have learned with others.
Applicants who are accepted into the program spend their first year as an “apprentice.” During this period, volunteers complete a rigorous program called Green School that is equivalent to a four-credit college course in garden science.
Upon successful completion of the Green School final exam, apprentices receive mentorship and training to gain confidence in assisting with a variety of home gardening inquiries. Even after the apprenticeship ends, being part of the extension community gives you access to a lot of continued learning through mentorship and continuing education opportunities.
CMGs are lifelong learners eager to cultivate their gardening knowledge while helping to grow a more knowledgeable gardening community. To learn more and start the application process, visit cmg.extension.colostate.edu and click on the Become a Master Gardener tab.
Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu and register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.
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