The West Virginia University Extension Service Master Gardener program in Randolph and Tucker Counties are looking for people who are passionate about gardening and want their horticultural skills to be as sharp as their pruning shears.
Once enrolled as a volunteer, they will learn the science behind gardening basics, which will then be used to give back to the community in a variety of ways, including cooperative gardening and beautification projects throughout both Randolph and Tucker County.
“It’s a wonderful way to learn and graciously pay the knowledge forward to impact your community and surroundings,” said Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension consumer horticulture specialist and Master Gardener statewide coordinator. “We have a membership of approximately 1,500 Master Gardeners who find their efforts to be extremely rewarding.”
Danilovich said the numbers speak for themselves, citing that Master Gardeners volunteer tens of thousands of hours a year. That work reaches an average of 25,000 residents annually.
Interested gardeners will receive approximately 40 hours of indoor and outdoor instruction from the WVU Extension Service. Topics will touch on all the basics, including plant science, propagation and pathology; soil science; entomology; integrated pest management; vegetable and flower gardening; tree and small fruits; lawn care; indoor plants; ornamental trees and shrubs; landscaping and communication skills.
After completing the training, the Master Gardener trainees will use their newly acquired knowledge to assist the Extension staff in addressing horticultural and environmental issues to attain the initial certification and the right to call themselves certified Master Gardeners.
The title reflects both the level of attained knowledge and the sense of pride that comes from volunteerism.
Forty volunteer hours are required for initial certification, and can encompass a wide array of projects. In years past, volunteer hours have been meet through upkeep of the flower garden surrounding the Iron Horse in Elkins, beautification design project for the Tucker County Courthouse, garden tours, plant sales, Randolph Farmers Market, and many more.
There is a program fee of $75 to cover the cost of training. Scholarships are available through the Extension Office. Applications are being accepted through Friday, September 30th. Classes will start October 6th and run till December 1st. Classes will be held in the Randolph County Extension Office in Tucker County. For more information, please contact the Randolph County WVU Extension Service office at 304-636-2455 or the Tucker County Extension Office at 304 478-2949 ext:209.
