MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

(Click here for a Master Gardener Registration Form)

Michigan State University and Leila Arboretum Society have partnered since 1993 to offer the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Calhoun County.

The MGV Program is a volunteer training program for people who are enthusiastic about gardening, want to learn more about growing plants and are willing to share their knowledge with others in the community.  This exciting 12 class program offers gardening information through an intensive and thorough look at a wide range of horticulture topics.  The Master Gardener Volunteer program is for gardeners of all skill levels from novice to advanced.  The Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program is open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

This course will provide an overview of many major horticulture subjects and supply participants with reliable and accurate sources of information for future reference.  The topics covered in the class are Plant Science, Soils, Fruit Culture, Vegetables, Lawn Care, Flowers, Integrated Pest Management, Woody Ornamentals, Indoor Gardening, Composting, Environmental Issues, and Volunteerism.  Each participant receives a 900+ page course manual that is full of valuable gardening information and will serve as an excellent reference for years to come.

The program provides gardeners with up-to-date horticulture information and knowledge guided through research at Michigan State University.  Completion of the classes and 40 hours of volunteer activities within the next 12 monts will qualify participants for Master Gardener certification by MSUE.

For more information or an application, call Sue Webster, Calhoun County Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, at (269) 969-0270, ext. 115. Questions can also be emailed to suemgc@LASgarden.org or bam@LASgarden.org.

Winter Class Schedule: The winter class starts on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 5:30 to 8:30pm for 12 weeks.

Continuing Education with the Calhoun County Master Gardener Association (CCMGA)

Once certified as a Master Gardener, be sure to join the CCMGA to easily keep up with the annual education requirements for the Master Gardener Volunteer program. This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the RMTC in the Fort Custer complex at 6pm. Each month there is a different speaker and lots of opportunities to meet other gardeners in the community.

May 6th is the next meeting with Lori Sadowski, presenting great information on garden design.