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What is Master Gardener Program
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The Master Gardener program is a nation wide certification program offered through the Cooperative Extension network for those interested in learning more about the specific gardening and horticulture needs in their geographic areas. The Coconino Master Gardener program emphasizes the needs of high country gardening.Each Master Gardener program involves both classroom learning experience and a hands-on volunteer commitment to share gardening skills with the community.
Master Gardener Training
Training is offered in Flagstaff once a year in the spring. The program runs for 15 weeks with one three hour class per week.If you would like to be notified of upcoming classes, contact us by phone at (928) 774-1868 ext 17 or by e-mail at hbraun@ag.arizona.edu.
Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension professionals and other horticulture experts. The Coconino program covers the challenges specific to high altitude gardening. Topics covered include:
- Botany
- Pruning
- Soils
- Vegetables
- Tree Fruit and Small Fruit
- Plant Propagation
- Ornamental Plants
- Plant Problem Diagnosis
- Insect Identification and Control
- Urban Forestry
Commitment
Coconino's Master Gardener program has two expectations and requirements:- Completion of the classroom course requirements
- Completion of the volunteer service component within one year of classroom participation
Benefits of being a Master Gardener
Help educate your community by:- Helping other gardeners solve their plant problems
- Promoting environmental responsibility through water conservation and managed pest control
- Beautifying your community by teaching about appropriate plants for our climate
- Working with schools, community gardens and local organizations to improve their knowledge
Education for you by:
- Participating in Master Gardener projects
- Joining Extension educational workshops
- Attending statewide gardening conferences
- Sharing your knowledge with others by teaching and responding to their questions
- Working with some of the most talented and interesting gardeners in your community
- Participating in team projects in your community
Who may participate?
Anyone interested in horticulture may participate. All you need is an interest in improving your gardening and horticulture skills and the desire to work with and share your knowledge with others.Volunteer Service
The volunteer service component of Master Gardeners is your opportunity to share your newly learned knowledge through "hands-on" community involvement. You can participate in a wide variety of volunteer gardening opportunities of your choosing and time schedule. Past Master Gardener participants have chosen to:- Improve the landscaping at nearby State Park
- Volunteer with the Arboretum at Flagstaff
- Design and complete the landscaping for local agencies and churches
- Volunteer at the NAU greenhouse
- Teach gardening skills to young people
- Be involved with environmental community boards
You have up to one year to complete the 50 hour commitment.
Why become a Master Gardener Volunteer?
As a Master Gardener you can help to educate and advise home gardeners in your community. Many newcomers and inexperienced gardeners in the high country are in great need of gardening advice. Our climate has unique and challenging growing conditions. Our informative training will give you the knowledge and skills not only to make you a better high country gardener, but the ability and confidence to share your skills and knowledge with your neighbors and community.|
Cooperative Extension is the outreach arm of The University of Arizona - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in Tucson, Arizona. |
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| Coconino County Cooperative Extension 2304 N. 3rd Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004-3605 Phone: (928) 774-1868 Fax: (928) 774-1860 cococe@cals.arizona.edu |
http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/ Last Reviewed and Updated: September 14, 2006 Questions/Comments: tucker@ag.arizona.edu Legal Disclaimer Privacy Statement |
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