Sign up by Friday, Aug. 22 for Purdue Extension Master Gardener basic training program. Photo provided by Purdue Extension.
News Release
ELKHART COUNTY — Purdue Extension Master Gardener basic training programs makes the latest information about gardening and home horticulture available to individuals with a deep interest in gardening.
While the program will develop one’s own personal skill set, the program is designed to enable participants to go beyond themselves and volunteer with local associations like the Michiana Master Gardeners Association in Elkhart County. As the name of the organization implies, one may live outside of Elkhart County and still be a part of the MMGA.
Members of MMGA help with community events like the Garden Expo, Garden Tour, Ag Hall at the county fair, Master Gardener Answer Line and numerous other community events and activities like the quilt garden at the fairgrounds. In essence, if you complete the program, you will be able to serve as a volunteer with MMGA to help others grow by sharing what you have learned and by leading educational gardening activities in your community.
Classes will occur at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office conference room between 1-4 p.m. Tuesday afternoons from Sept. 2 through Dec. 9 with the exception of the Tuesday before Thanksgiving
Call the extension office (574) 533-0554 or email [email protected] to request a flyer and the enrollment form. One must complete the enrollment form agreeing to a registry check and provide identification to receive a link to fully register online for the program. This all must by done be completed by Aug. 22.
The cost is $200 for individuals and $300 for couples sharing materials. Class size is limited to 20 individuals.
Program expectations are to attend the in-person classes. However, educators plan to have most classes set up such that one could review remotely if needed from time to time and it is hoped to record classes for later viewing if someone needs to miss due to illness or conflicting schedules.
After completing the program, one would complete 40 hours of volunteer time over the course of two years following the class completion. After that, one is no longer an Extension Master Gardener intern rather a full-fledged Extension Master Gardener. To remain in good standing, a minimum of six hours of continuing education and 12 hours of volunteer time are needed each year.
The MMGA meets monthly and with their activities and programs, it is fairly simple to log the necessary hours through participation in the organization’s events.
For questions, contact the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office or visit extension.purdue.edu/anr/index.html and click on the Master Gardener area of the page.
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