|
What
is the Master Gardener Program?
 Maine’s Master Gardener Program
provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in
the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current,
research based information from Extension educators and industry experts. In
return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise
in many ways for community programs and activities.
As part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension
effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who
serve and beautify their communities. They are linked to a professional
network of support through county, state and national Cooperative Extension
offices.
What Volunteer
Projects Do Master Gardeners Do?
The kinds of volunteer projects
Master Gardeners do are limited only by your imagination! As a Master Gardener, you might...
- coordinate a gardening effort to supply fresh
produce to local food pantries
- teach school children about the environment and
develop school gardening projects
- design and build barrier-free gardens for persons
with disabilities
- develop demonstration gardens to test different
plant varieties
- plan and conduct educational workshops
- design and construct displays for garden shows
Who
Can Become A Master Gardener?
Everyone who successfully completes the forty-plus hours of training, and
volunteers forty hours towards community gardening programs and activities
can become a Master Gardener. The participation fee is $80 which covers the
cost of the two-volume reference manual and the training site expenses.
Master
Gardeners are Lifelong Learners
Master Gardeners can help direct their
own advance training. Here are examples of how Maine Master Gardeners have
helped each other learn more:
In several Maine counties, Master Gardeners
have created demonstration gardens, which are excellent places to teach
other gardeners at field days, workshops and tours. They also provide places
where Master Gardeners can experiment with new techniques, grow unusual
crops, design theme gardens and hone their gardening skills.
Master Gardeners in many Maine counties meet
regularly to plan update activities such as guest lecturers, workshops, and
tours of gardens or horticultural businesses.
In 1996, the Maine Master Gardener Program
hosted the Eastern Regional Master Gardener Conference in Portland. A group
of Master Gardeners helped plan and conduct this three-day meeting for over
400 participants.
The
Master Gardener Volunteer training program?
Call your county office listed in
county
contact for application and more information on when and where the
training will be offered for your county. You can attend the training
in another county, but might be required to do some of your volunteer time
for that county. For a listing of upcoming trainings
click
here. 2006 Master Gardener training will begin in January.
Call the office for details
(207) 474-9622 or toll free 800-287-1495 (Maine only).
A
Master Gardener Knows....
A
Master Gardener ....
- has a passion for green and growing things
- enjoys helping others learn how to grow their own
food
- longs to create beauty in public areas as well as
private surroundings
- wants to share an enthusiasm for gardening with
community, neighbors, and friends
A
Master Gardener is...
- young
- old
- student
- worker
- retired
- female
- male
Links
www.umaine.edu/umcecumberland/ccmg/
back to top
|
