The Master Gardeners of St. Clair County are inviting community members to become part of the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program. This horticulture education and volunteer training program is taught by Michigan State University Extension horticulture experts. No prior knowledge or experience in gardening is required. All classes will be offered online except for the required last class – Volunteer Orientation – which will be held face-to-face when it is safe to do so, physical location yet to be determined.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers start by completing a 14-session training course grounded in university research. This training consists of approximately 45 hours of training with classes on plant science, soil science, integrated pest management, diagnostics, annuals and perennials, woody ornamentals, lawns, vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, household and nuisance pests, indoor plants and gardening practices to protect water resources.
The training will be online starting in August on Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 1 PM. It runs from August 18th through December 1st, 2020, (including a makeup date and no class on November 3, 2020). Cost is $325, which includes $25.00 for Volunteer Selection process which includes the background check; $300.00 for training course, including 1,000-page training manual. There are no other out-of-pocket costs. You can make payment using check or credit card. Deadline for application and credit card payment is due August 4, 2020, payment by check is due by July 27, 2020. Register online <HERE> .
