If you have an interest in plants and gardening and would enjoy sharing that interest with others, apply to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer. Applications are being accepted for the Goodhue County Extension Master Gardener Program now until October 15th.
Individuals selected for the program begin an internship that starts with the Master Gardener core course training on January 9, 2015. The course is taught online or in-person at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Instructors are University of Minnesota Extension educators and faculty.
Following the course, interns will complete 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year, working with local Master Gardener volunteers on a variety of projects that educate the public about gardening and horticulture. You might answer plant questions by phone or at an information booth, write a newspaper column, or make a presentation to a community group.
After completing the internship, you become a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. To remain certified, Master Gardeners must contribute at least 25 hours of volunteer service annually.
For an application packet and more information, call U of MN Extension Goodhue County, 651-385-3100 or 1-800-385-3101. Also find more information about the training and the Extension Master Gardener program at http://www.mg.umn.edu.