Washington County IFAS Extension is conducting new Master Gardener Volunteer Training this fall.

This year there is room for additional participants. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 10-2 beginning September 10th with the exception of Thanksgiving week. Classes will be from 10:00am to 2:00pm, with one hour lunch/social break, in the east wing of the Washington County Ag. Center. The registration deadline has been extended to September 17th 2013 to give more individuals a greater opportunity to participate

The Florida Master Gardener Program recruits individuals who are interested in gardening and enjoy sharing what they learn with others. Participants complete a 50-hour (or longer) training course sponsored by the University of Florida. In return for their training, these new Master Gardeners serve 75 volunteer hours within the first year of their certification, per the statewide by-laws.

Certified Master Gardeners educate Floridians and provide research-based information about gardening–America’s most popular pastime. Master Gardeners can fulfill their volunteer hours in a variety of ways, including:

• answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person, blog or newspaper article or through email.
• participating in community and school garden projects.
• giving educational programs to the public.
• supporting youth activities.
• performing soil sample evaluations.

To Join us this year, you will need to do several things:

1. Complete the application form, which is available at the Washington County Extension Office or online here. Also Available in PDF format.

2. Send a check made out to Washington County Agriculture Improvement Fund (memo Horticulture) for $125.00 This fee covers the materials you will use during training, including books, and the graduation dinner. Materials will be ordered after the first class.

3. Return all forms and your check by September 17, 2013 in person or by mail

To request these forms, please email, call or come by the Washington County Extension Office at 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 850-638-6180 or mjorwat@ufl.edu. We look forward to getting to know you in the near future.

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