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WHAT IS A MASTER GARDENER?

         A Master Gardener is an individual who acts on behalf of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension as a volunteer educator within his or her community after receiving specialized training in horticulture. Volunteer educators serve as partners with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to promote, inform, and work with communities & leaders, industry, and individuals. Volunteers present programs on all aspects of horticulture, including turf, landscape, vegetables, trees and shrubs1 and pest management.
                    There are several levels of Master Gardener status. Each status level is determined by level of training and internship (community education service) experience.

• Master Gardener Trainee:
         One who is currently in classroom training to become a Master Gardener but has not yet taken or passed the final examination on course material.
  
  
• Master Gardener Intern:
         One who has completed the Master Gardener Program classroom training requirement1 achieved 70 percent or better cumulative average on the final examination1 and is currently fulfilling the initial internship experience of 50 hours educational efforts/work time.
  
  
• Master Gardener:
         One who has completed the full Master Gardener Program; classroom and internship; and is actively volunteering with U of A Cooperative Extension1 fulfilling the program requirements necessary to remain active. When a person ceases active volunteering with Cooperative Extension and continued education, he or she also relinquishes the title of Master Gardener.
  
  
• Master Gardener Specialist:
         One who has received 30 hours of advanced specialized training in any of the advanced-level Master Gardener training courses.
  
  
• Key Components of the Program:
         50 hours of classroom training required (17 classes, each class 3 hours duration)
         Passing of open book mid-term and final exams with a minimum  grade of 70%
         Complete 50 hours of volunteer internship within one year (20 hours in the local office)
  
  

Answers to Questions:
          Cost? - Currently $125.00 is announced prior to each class; for the complete training program includes the Master Gardener book, liquid refreshments at each class, duplication of all materials and the graduation program. Grants are available for those who cannot afford the program.

          Class Size? - limited to 25 individuals selected by Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yuma

          Class Location? - Usually at the Coop Extension office but, to be announced, individual classes may meet in various locations.

          When will Class Begin? - See "Class Schedule"

           How do I apply: go to: " Application Form"

          Days of Week and Time of Class? - To be announced

          How will we meet our internship requirement? - Several office projects are planned, including staffing a horticultural hotline, logging publications into a computer database, developing a volunteer hours tracking system, developing a trial garden at the new Cooperative Extension building, and developing educational programs to present to schools and the public.

          Who determines other internship projects? - individuals are encouraged to submit projects to the local horticulture agent for approval; Projects submitted should involve an educational component and make an impact upon our community.

          What advanced training opportunities are available? Local advanced courses will be offered as the need arises. Several educational programs are offered at the Master Gardener  sponsored Low Desert Conference.