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HOW TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENER
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Class of 2016 - Graduation Lunch (more pictures below)
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OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
MISSION:
The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer educational program designed to meet the horticultural needs of citizens of Ohio. Its purpose is to train volunteers and use their expertise to teach people more about plants, their culture, and their importance to the environment and our quality of life.
HISTORY:
The Master Gardener Program began in the state of Washington and is now conducted at land-grant university Extension programs in nearly every state, as well as Canada. The program began in Ohio in 1986 and is now active in more than 50 counties within the state. Cuyahoga County currently has about 200 active Master Gardener Volunteers.
WHAT ARE COMMON MGV ACTIVITIES?
▪ Researching then answering resident inquiries on horticulture topics (via telephone, email, or in-person at a farmers market).
▪ Supporting instruction in fourth-grade plant science with the garden curriculum.
▪ Giving talks to garden clubs and other organizations.
▪ Planting, maintaining, and teaching in Extension's Demonstration Gardens (Ben Franklin School Garden and Fairhill Garden).
▪ Assisting with therapeutic horticulture projects with patients in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
▪ Providing general information and assistance at garden shows, fairs, plant sales, and other events.
▪ Assisting at special horticulture lectures tailor-made for seniors (the Tri-C Encore Program).
▪ Acting as a mentor for a community gardening.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Master Gardener Volunteer must show an interest in, enthusiasm for gardening and they must be able to contribute to the program. Master Gardener Volunteers are held to rigorous s tandards of behavior with the public, in disseminating pest management information, and in upholding youth protection policies and guidelines. They must participate fully in and complete the basic training to volunteer in the program. They must be able to record and log their volunteer hours. Theymust provide their transportation to training and volunteer activities. Ohio State University Extension Cuyahoga County
SUPPORT PROVIDED:
In addition to the Ohio Master Gardener Manual, Master Gardener Volunteers have at their disposal office reference materials and Internet resources to assist in answering questions and requests for information. Ifthe Master Gardener V o l u n t e e r is unable to assist a consumer, questions are referred to the appropriate staff or the Extension Educator. For additional support within the first years, a new Master Gardener Volunteer will have the opportunity to be assigned an experienced Master Gardener Volunteer as a mentor.
THE BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM:
Each year a new class of Master Gardener Trainees is selected. The class size is limited to ensure the best possible training for the trainees and reasonable volunteer opportunities. Classes will be held at the Cuyahoga Country Extension office in Cleveland.
Classroom lectures and learning activities are provided by Ohio State University Faculty, District Specialists, and State Specialists, as well as a few local experts. T r a i n e e s must complete a take-home, open-book final examination.
For further information, please go to the OSU Extension for Cuyahoga County website: cuyahoga.osu.edu.
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