Program orientations are Nov. 4 and 13; classes start Feb. 24, 2014
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension invites those interested in becoming trained Master Gardeners to attend an orientation on Nov. 4 or Nov. 13 to participate in the 2014 Master Gardener training course, running from Feb. 24 through April 16.
Course enrollment is limited to 30 students in Reno and 10 students in Gardnerville. Those interested in enrolling must sign up for and attend one of the mandatory orientation sessions, either in Reno on Nov. 4, or in Gardnerville on Nov. 11. Both orientations will be held 10 – 11:30 a.m.
The training program develops Master Gardener volunteers and leaders in environmental stewardship through education. Students complete the training, pass an exam and provide 50 hours of community service to become certified Master Gardeners. Cooperative Extension offers ongoing educational and community service opportunities to help Master Gardeners maintain certification.
The course covers botany; plant and tree care; vegetable gardening; pruning; turf management; basic irrigation principles; plant insects, diseases and problem diagnosis; and weed identification. The instructors are Cooperative Extension faculty and staff and Nevada Department of Agriculture specialists.
Those interested in course enrollment must attend one of the orientation sessions and complete a brief interview. Training participants will be selected after the interview process is complete, sometime before Dec. 31.
Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way, and offered via videoconference at the Douglas County Cooperative Extension office in Gardnerville, 1325 Waterloo Lane.
The training costs $195, and the fee covers all class materials and refreshments; supplies for luncheons, potlucks and an appreciation barbeque; and a Master Gardener name badge and T-shirt. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.
To sign up for one of the orientation sessions, contact Master Gardener Program Coordinator Wendy Hanson Mazet at 775-784-4848 or [email protected]. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should notify Mazet at least three days prior to the event.
