WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MASTER GARDENER?
Contribute to our community -- every year Amador Master Gardeners donate more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service.
Enjoy working together with a great group of gardening enthusiasts.
Gain excellent knowledge about the life of the garden.
Put what you know into practice for the benefit of others and for our environment.
WHAT TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO THE MASTER GARDENER?
Master Gardeners are given an intensive 4-1/2 month, 50+ hour training program in horticulture. The instruction provides a practical course in plant science and horticulture, soil and water management, pest identification and management, plant selection and care, and environmentally-sound gardening practices.
Classes meet weekly, with outside study and training activities in addition to class time. A final examination reviews course materials and prepares the trainee to begin their service in the program.
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?
Instructors are experts in their fields, including University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, and knowledgeable local horticulture educators.
WHO BECOMES A MASTER GARDENER?
Any Amador County resident with an interest in horticulture and public service may apply for the Master Gardener program.
Master Gardeners are people of all ages and from all walks of life. They include business men and women, professionals, educators, retirees, homemakers, and students -- all with some experience and knowledge of plants and gardening. Master Gardeners must be enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.
WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER'S COMMITMENT TO THE PROGRAM?
Applicants to the program are selected based on their interest and their ability to fulfill the commitment of service and education.
In the year following the training course, new Master Gardeners are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education. Attending the Master Gardener meetings counts toward continuing education hours, as does attending Master Gardener workshops, college classes, and other classes and seminars on gardening.
Each year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer work and 12 hours of continuing education are required to remain a certified Master Gardener.
CERTIFICATION
Completion of the training course earns certification as a Master Gardener.
WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK DOES A MASTER GARDENER DO?
Master Gardeners staff an information desk in the University of California Cooperative Extension office, where they answer questions, diagnose plant problems, and give horticultural assistance to home gardeners.
Information is also dispersed through newspaper articles and at plant clinics; through talks and demonstrations; and working with teachers, children and parents to establish school gardens. Master Gardeners also work on special community horticultural and gardening projects.
HOW CAN ONE OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM A MASTER GARDENER?
The public can telephone the Master Gardener Desk at 209-223-6838 to ask a Master Gardener questions about plants and gardening in Amador County. Samples of insects, weeds and diseased plants may be taken to the office for diagnosis between the hours of 10AM-12PM Tuesday through Friday. Master Gardeners may be available to give talks for garden clubs, senior citizen groups, elementary schools, and other community or church organizations.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AMADOR COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM?
Contact the UCCE office at (209) 223-6837 to obtain an application. The deadline for the 2008 training course hosted in Amador County has passed but those interested in participating in the 2009 course may submit their contact information and will be mailed an application packet in October of 2008.
In accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures, or practices on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, citizenship or disability. Inquiries regarding this policy may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607-5200, (510) 987-0096.