Master Gardeners Program Is Expanding
The Master Gardener program in Georgia is a volunteer training program designed to help University of Georgia Extension staff transfer research-based information about gardening and related subjects to the public by training home gardeners.
Through this program, Extension is able to reach out and serve more citizens with educational programming and demonstrations. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers complement, enhance, and support on-going Agriculture and Natural Resources educational programs using applied research and the resources of University of Georgia.
The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program is a county-based volunteer program designed as an educational program delivery system and teaching resource to assist Extension with the main goal of addressing community non-commercial, horticulture and gardening issues and needs.
The Jasper County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program is looking to expand. We currently only have one volunteer, and with expanding projects including partnering with the Jasper County Charter Schools STEAM Classes and raised bed vegetable gardens around Monticello, more volunteers are needed to help with these projects, as well as develop others. We are interested in adding three new Jasper County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEV), with the potential to expand further in the coming years to meet programming needs.
The Putnam County Extension Office will host an area Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Training program in Eatonton. This biannual program typically hosts participants from Putnam, Jones, Jasper, Morgan, Greene and Hancock counties. The starting date will be Tuesday, January 30. The class will run through mid-April. Classes are on Tuesdays and will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. depending on subject matter and speakers for the day.
If you are interested in applying, please come by the Jasper County Extension Office, 162 N. Warren St., Monticello, GA 31064 to receive a packet. Completed applications must be returned to the Jasper County Extension Office by Friday, August 25. This will allow ample time to submit to Putnam County, interview candidates (this will take place in Putnam County), make selections, and have background checks done. We cannot offer the training to an individual until they clear the background check.
Cost of the training program will be $180, which includes the text book, class materials, badge and incidentals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Jasper County Extension Office, at 706-468-6479.
Trey Gafnea is the Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent for UGA Extension—Jasper County. The UGA Extension—Jasper County Office is located at 162 N. Warren Street, Monticello, GA. 31064-1154 (706) 468-6479, http://blog.extension.uga.edu/jasper/. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.—5 p.m.
To obtain extension publications, visit the UGA Extension website at: www.ugaextension.com or contact the county Extension office.
