SIDNEY — Ohio State University Extension Shelby County and Shelby County Master Gardeners are currently planning their 2019 Master Gardener Volunteer training program.
The training is scheduled for 10 consecutive Thursdays, Feb. 28 through May 2, at the Shelby County Agricultural Service Center, 810 Fair Road, in Sidney. Sessions start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Training is open to interested residents of Shelby and surrounding counties.
The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University 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.
Working with county extension personnel, Master Gardener volunteers provide such educational services to their communities as answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics and seminars; gardening activities with children, senior citizens or disabled persons; beautifying the community; developing community or demonstration gardens; and other horticultural activities.
Cost of the training is $110 dollars if registration is received by Dec. 28. After Dec. 28, the fee will be $150. A $50 refundable deposit is due upon return of the application. The fee covers presenters, a comprehensive training manual, handouts, a shirt and light snacks. OSU Extension also requires an online background check. The training will be provided by some of OSUE’s top experts as well as local Master Gardener volunteers. Upon completion of the training sessions, the trainees will become Master Gardener interns and will be expected to provide 50 hours of volunteer service during the following year.
Information and registration packets are available at the service center, by phone at 498-7239, or by email at [email protected]. The deadline to register is Jan. 11, 2019.
