University of Missouri Extension is offering Master Gardener training courses in Forsyth and Ozark this fall.
“This is a great opportunity for persons interested in horticulture and gardening to learn new skills, volunteer for community educational projects and become associated with other gardeners in the area with similar interests,” said Gordon Carriker, agriculture business specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Christian County.
The intensive multi-week Master Gardener courses begin with orientations on September 25. The trainings will consist of ten three-hour classes on specific Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Forsyth and evenings at Ozark. The classes will all occur from Oct. 2 to Nov. 15.
Participants have their choice in classes: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Forsyth and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Ozark.
According to Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Stone County, the classes are taught by educators from University of Missouri Extension, Master Gardeners, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
“There is a course fee which covers the 30 hours of instruction and many resource materials including the ‘Missouri Grounds for Gardening’ manual,” said Schnakenberg.
For more information and to pre-register for the Forsyth class, contact Schnakenberg at the Stone County Extension Center, (417) 357-6812. To pre-register for the Ozark class, contact Carriker at the Christian County Extension Center, (417) 581-3558. A downloadable registration form and class schedule is available at: http://mgozarks.com/
Pre-registration is needed by September 27. It is recommended to attend the orientation for a review of the program. Space is limited, so register early.
“The Master Gardener Program is a popular, successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others,” said Carriker.
Master Gardeners become volunteers of the University of Missouri and donate volunteer hours for community educational projects in horticulture. Participants who complete the course can become a part of one of the Master Gardener groups throughout Missouri.
