The Colorado Master Gardener program in Jefferson County is taking applications for the spring, 2008 class, which will be held Tuesdays at the Jefferson County Extension office, 15200 W. Sixth Ave. in Golden starting Jan. 15, 2008 and running through March 25.
Those accepted to the program receive 10 weeks of training in plant care and have the opportunity to work with other gardeners from Jefferson County to volunteer in the community. The Colorado Master Gardener program is ideal for gardeners who wish to increase their knowledge of horticulture and help others learn the joy of successful gardening.
In addition to receiving training from Colorado State University professors, specialists and horticulture agents, master gardeners learn on the job as they perform 50 hours of volunteer work during the growing season. Volunteers help the community by answering questions on garden care and provide education through teaching classes, writing news articles, working with special audiences and maintaining demonstration sites. Statewide, the value placed on the time donated by the 1,800 plus master gardeners is more than $1.3 million.
The Colorado Master Gardener program also can be a stepping stone toward a career in horticulture. Recognized by the green industry as a great vocational education course, the Colorado Master Gardener program is open to persons within and outside of the professional growing area. Many people considering a career in the green industry start with master gardener training as an all-around introduction to advanced plant care.
If gaining knowledge and helping others through horticulture is of interest to you, the Colorado Master Gardener program is an ideal volunteer choice. Please contact the Colorado State University Extension office in Jefferson County (303) 271-6620 for more information or an application. Or look us up on the web at www.jeffcoextension.org
Our classes are held in conjunction with Extension in Jefferson County, with the classes being held in Golden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. We're in session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an hour for lunch. The cost is $170 and includes two Colorado Master Gardener reference notebooks. I look forward to hearing from all who are interested and encourage you to join this fun group of hard working volunteers. The deadline for submitting your application is November 2, so call soon!
Colorado State University Extension in the County of Jefferson provides unbiased, research-based information about 4-H youth development, family and consumer issues, gardening, horticulture and natural resources. As part of a nationwide system, Extension brings the research and resources of the university to the community. The Jefferson County Extension office is located at 15200 W 6 th Ave., Golden, CO 80401. For information call 303-271-6629.