(Posted Aug. 11, 2022)
Beginning October 2022, Madison County will offer a Master Gardener Volunteer hybrid training to residents of Madison and surrounding counties.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides broad instruction in horticulture for enthusiasts of any skill level or interest who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge, but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must.
In addition to the training, a Master Gardener certification will be awarded after the completion of 50 volunteer hours at OSUE sponsored projects or approved activities of their choice. Recent events include elementary petunia planting, make-it take-it events, care of gardens around the county, researching and responding to horticulture questions from the public, and teaching gardening techniques to adults and children.
There are many opportunities to obtain volunteer hours either with a “hands-in-the-dirt” group project or as a “behind-the-scenes” individual contributor supporting, non-physical activities. To maintain annual certification, Master Gardener volunteers are asked to provide at least 20 hours of service and complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually.
This program will be a blended format utilizing online, self-paced modules and in-person, hands-on laboratory sessions. One laboratory will be offered monthly, and participants are required to complete a minimum of seven. Laboratory examples may include visits to local nurseries, arboretums, trial gardens or turf farms. An introductory meeting will be set up with all applicants to answer questions, clarify the program, and set expectations.
The cost of the course is $200 ($50 rebate when internship is completed). Applications and the course fee are due Sept. 10. Applications after the deadline are $50 extra.
Request an application by contacting the OSU Extension Office in Madison County at (740) 852-0975 or by downloading one online at go.osu.edu/MadisonMGV.
Contact Amanda Douridas at Douridas.9@osu.edu or (740) 852-0975 with any questions about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.
