Category: News || By Submitted Report
Applications are now being accepted for Penn State's master gardener training program. The classes will be held Tuesday mornings at the Allegheny County Extension Office in Point Breeze.
Penn State master gardeners are volunteers trained and certified by Penn State Extension. Once they complete their training, master gardeners are eligible to answer the public's "green" questions through the garden hotline, and they can offer educational programs to all ages through school programs, a speaker's bureau and Backyard Gardening Lectures at local garden centers.
They actively participate in civic beautification projects, demonstration gardens in North Park, South Park and the Allegheny County Courthouse, and informational exhibits at various events.
Selected applicants attend classes Oct. 2 through Nov. 13. Following a break for the holidays, classes resume on Jan. 8 and continue weekly through April 9, when the final exam is administered.
After completing the in-class course, master gardeners are required to provide a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service within the first year, and 20 hours each following year to maintain certification.
The cost for the training program is $200 and the deadline is Aug. 31.
To obtain a Penn State Master Gardener application for Allegheny County, visit the website, phone (412) 473-2600 or e-mail alleghenymg@psu.edu.
Completed applications must be returned to Master Gardener Program, Penn State Extension of Allegheny County, 400 N. Lexington St., 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.