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Become a Master Gardener Volunteer with The University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

This site contains information on the Master Gardener Program in Maricopa County, Arizona. For information on Master Gardening programs in other Arizona counties or in other states, contact the local Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent.

What is a Maricopa County Master Gardener?

A Maricopa County Master Gardener is an individual who completes a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County specialized course in gardening in the low desert. This person then provides educational leadership to the community in home gardening and landscaping. Maricopa County Master Gardeners help Extension in fulfilling the educational outreach mission by:
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Why Become a Maricopa County 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 Valley are in great need of gardening and landscaping advice. Our informative training will give you the skills needed to diagnose plant problems and give you the confidence to share your expertise with others. You will have the opportunity to work with school children, teachers, seniors, community gardeners and homeowners. You can develop public speaking skills or learn to use computers and other technologies.

Being a Master Gardener volunteer is fun, interesting and rewarding.

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The Maricopa County Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener program and training is conducted by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension through the Maricopa County office. The training provides gardeners with the opportunity to improve their horticultural knowledge and skills and then share their experience with the public through organized volunteer activities.

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Maricopa County Master Gardener Training

Classes are taught by University of Arizona Extension Faculty, professionals and other horticulture experts. The program covers the challenges specific to gardening in the low desert. A sample of topics covered include: Training sessions are scheduled in different locations of the Valley on a rotational basis. Classes meet once a week for a three-hour session for 17 consecutive weeks. Please see the information below for upcoming classes.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpreter, by contacting the Master Gardener Program Coordinator, (602) 827-8200 x311. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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Cost

The session fee, which includes the publication notebook, training manual, books, insignia polo shirt and all handouts, is $275.00.

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Benefits of Being a Master Gardener

Help to Educate Your Community

Education For You
Fun and Friendship

Recognition
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Commitment

To become a certified Master Gardener participants must complete the initial training class and donate 20 hours of volunteer service during the class session. There are a wide variety of service opportunities available ranging from answering gardening questions from the public, to planning public educational events, to working with school and community gardens. To remain in the program after the first year, a donation of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education is required annually.

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Who Can Apply?

Anyone with an interest in horticulture and volunteering can apply for the Master Gardener program. If you have an interest in improving your skills and knowledge and the desire to work with people, the Master Gardener program may be for you. There are frequently more applicants for the program than slots available. Selection is based on history of volunteer service and level of specific skills and knowledge of value to the program.

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How To Apply

All interested individuals are encouraged to apply. If you are paying via check or money order, the tuition fee payable to the University of Arizona, must be remitted with your application.

If you are requesting financial assistance, please check the appropriate box on the application.

Download Application

The Summer 2013 class will be held on Tuesdays from July 16 through November 5, 2013, at the City of Avondale Municipal Services / Lantana Conference Rooms 1 & 2, 399 E Lower Buckeye Rd, Ste. 100, Avondale, 85323. Applications are available online. Click here to download the application for the Summer 2013 class. Applications must be postmarked by May 20, 2013.

For answers to questions and more information, contact:
Jo Cook
Master Gardener Program Coordinator
(602) 827-8200 x311
or
Jesse Davenport
(602) 827-8200 x312
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Upcoming Master Gardener Training Classes



July 16 - November 5, 2013 (Tuesdays)
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
City of Avondale Municipal Services Operation Center
399 E Lower Buckeye Rd
Suite 100 / Lantana Rooms 1 & 2
Avondale, AZ 85323

Click here to download the application
To Home Horticulture in Maricopa County, AZ

Maricopa County Master Gardener Program Overview University of Arizona 125 Year Logo


Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, Associate Dean & Director, Economic Development & Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

If you have difficulty accessing any portions of this page with adaptive technology, please contact Jo Cook at jocook@cals.arizona.edu or 602-827-8200 x311.
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/mgs/mg-broch.htm


Last Updated May 13, 2013
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