Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The "Master" does not mean you know everything about gardening. The "Master" in Master Gardener means you are a horticulture volunteer for Utah State University Extension. The purpose of the Utah Master Gardener Program is to develop a network of trained volunteers who can provide the citizens of Utah with research-based information and technical assistance in gardening and home horticulture.
Master Gardeners volunteer at several projects throughout Salt Lake County. In 2006, Master Gardeners donated 5233 hours of volunteer time and donated over 7200 lbs of high quality produce to food pantries and food banks. The Master Gardener program involves a huge time commitment. A minimun of 40 hours of a college-level horticulture course taught by Utah State University Extension Specialists, Extension Agents, and other expterts and another 40 hours of hands-on volunteer project work to become a Master Gardener.
Training to be a Master Gardener in Salt Lake County begins by attending a 90 minute orientation. These orientations are to introduce prospective trainees to the mission of Utah State University Extension, the many volunteer projects where we need volunteers, requirements to become certifield, and a Q & A session. After the orientation, those who are interested in the program receive applications. Orientations are usually held in August and September. Applications are reviewed in October and those accepted into the program are notified in November. Classroom training begins in January.
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Utah State University Master Gardener Program Overview
Master Gardener training involves both a college level course in horticulture and hands-on volunteer service learning to receive full certification. The role of Master Gardeners is to assist USU Extension by providing unbiased, research-based horticultural information and education to the community.
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Click here to see what current Master Gardeners have to say about the program.