LIMITED SPACE 2008 MASTER GARDENER TRAINING!
The Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service in Leon County will begin a new
program for Master Gardeners on August 1, 2008. This highly trained
core of volunteers will assist with programs and projects in Leon
County. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take
an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens.
They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to
communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master
Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in
horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master
Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their
cooperative Extension office to provide horticultural-related
information to their communities. Please ask yourself these questions
as you consider this training program. Is the Master Gardener Program for Me?
To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask
yourself these questions:
Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of
many types of plants?
Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training
program?
Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my
community?
Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the
volunteer service?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program
could be for you. Please contact The Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service
in Leon County for an application at 903.536.2531. All applications must
be returned by July 25, 2008. If accepted into the Master Gardener program in Leon County, you will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service specialists, agents, and local experts. The
program offers a minimum of 50 hours of instruction that covers topics
including lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease, and
weed management; soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home
fruit production; garden flowers; and water conservation. The training
is offered August 1, 2008 through November 21, 2008 at The Leon County
Annex Grand Activity Room from 9:00am to 1:00pm every Friday.
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to
Leon County Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service
within one year following the training is required to earn the title of
"Texas Master Gardener."
The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to
community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master
Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for
information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or
displays in shopping malls or community centers. Master Gardeners may speak to
local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community
garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news
or radio releases related to gardening. The Master gardener Coordinator in
the Leon County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best
utilized. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLIFE Extension
Service, The Texas A&M University System. In all volunteer work related
to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based
recommendations of Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service. The title "Texas
Master Gardener" can be used by volunteers only when engaged in
Extension-sponsored activities. Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
For More Information
Application forms and additional information are available from your
Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service office at 113 W. Main St. Centerville,
Texas or by email at twneyland@ag.tamu.edu
Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level,
race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas
A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Tommy Neyland, CEA-Ag
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
