Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lycoming County is now accepting applications for the 2022 Penn State Master Gardener program. This program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others and in the community.
Why are people interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Daryl Kern, Master Gardener for 17 years explains. “I initially was interested in becoming a Master Gardener so I could learn more about gardening and was especially excited about the evidence-based point of view. It is so much more than I ever expected! I am continually learning! I get to share gardening information, teach and develop programs, try out new ideas, but most of all it’s the comradeship and wonderful people I have met along the way that keeps me involved.”
Penn State Cooperative Agricultural Educators, Program assistants, and Master Gardeners will teach sessions on various topics by webinars which will be required “at home” viewing along with weekly readings from the Master Gardener manual. Hands on activities will be provided as part of the training. Participants are required to attend all sessions which will be held at the Lycoming County Extension Office, 542 County Farm Rd., Montoursville, PA 17754 or online via Zoom.
In exchange for over 40 hours of instruction, candidates must agree to volunteer 50 hours to the Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program. Volunteer activities currently carried out by Master Gardeners in Lycoming county include upkeep and programming in the Sensory garden and demonstration gardens, working with community groups, the annual Garden Fest, presentations on various gardening topics for local schools, groups and organizations, programming sponsored by the Master Gardeners, such as composting, rain barrels and pollinator gardens, perennial plant sale, and answering questions for the garden hotline.
There is a program fee of $200 to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. Applications are being accepted through August 19th. Classes will run on Thursdays from October through March For more information please contact the Lycoming County Penn State Cooperative Extension office located at 542 County Farm Rd., Ste. 206, Montoursville PA, call 433-3040, or check out Master Gardeners website at http://extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/join .
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Penn State Extension office at 570-433-3040 in advance of your participation or visit.
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
