Applications now being accepted for the 2018 Caldwell-Alexander Master Gardener Training Class
LENOIR, NC (January 2, 2018)…The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their local Cooperative Extension Center to extend horticultural information throughout the community. Accepted applicants enter the training portion of the program, and can begin volunteering during the class. To become certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, participants complete the class and 40 hours of volunteer service within one year of the class start date. They maintain their certification by completing 20 hours of service and 10 hours of continuing education in subsequent years. Master Gardener Volunteers assist with community beautification projects, teach horticulture related classes, set up gardening information tables at public events, and extend their knowledge to the community.
The 2018 training class will meet for 14 weeks on Wednesday afternoons, from February 7- May 9, 2018. Most classes will be held in Caldwell or Alexander counties. Class times may vary to accommodate travel outside of the county. Residents of Caldwell, Alexander, and neighboring counties are invited to participate.
The course will feature classes on many topics, and will be taught by N.C. Cooperative Extension personnel and community experts. Class topics will include: Botany, Soils (understanding soils & fertilizers and their management), Pest Management, Plant Propagation, Native Plant and Tree Identification, Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Management, Pesticide Safety, and more. Participants will receive an extensive training manual. Classes may take place outdoors, in places of horticultural interest, in greenhouses, or in classrooms. The final class will involve a field trip to the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville and other sites of interest. Transportation to classes outside of Caldwell County will be provided.
The course fee is $125 per person. This includes training manual, and all travel and material fees. Applications can be picked up at the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Caldwell County Center or accessed online at: caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu. Submit applications and fee to N.C. Cooperative Extension- Caldwell County Center, located at 120 Hospital Ave NE, Lenoir, NC, by Friday January, 19, 2018. Interested persons should contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Caldwell County Center at 828.757.1290 with any questions.