Master Gardener Training Programs Available This Fall

(Ames) As the Master Gardener Fall Training Application nears, many people have misconceptions about the Master Gardener program, according to Kate Olsen, Director of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreachin Cass County.

Olson says the idea of becoming a Master Gardener returns to the heart of extension: taking research-based information from the University and getting it out to residents. She says it’s all about providing education and hands-on service to local communities.

Olson says the Iowa Master Gardener Program is a year-round volunteer service organization that utilizes university-trained volunteers who use research-based horticulture and gardening knowledge and practices to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities.

Olson says most classes are self-taken online at your own pace, along with discussions with instructors and other students. She says Cass and Adair Counties are partnering and providing the program with two counties. Applicants are required to attend a minimum of four or six face-to-face sessions.

Counties offering Fall training include Adair, Boone, Butler, Cass, Cerro Gordo, Clayton, Dallas, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Harrison, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Keokuk, Linn, Lyon, Madison, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Muscatine, O’Brien, O’Brien, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Sioux, Story, Tama, Union, Webster, Winneshiek, Woodbury and Worth.

Applicants must apply for the fall session from July 12 through Aug. 12. Counties seek participants of all backgrounds and experience levels who desire to grow their horticultural knowledge and serve their communities.

Learn more about the program online or through your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.