The UW-Extension Master Gardener training program will be held for 12 consecutive Tuesday nights, beginning Sept. 4, at the Waupaca County Courthouse.
Greg Blonde, the UWEX agriculture agent in Waupaca County, said those who participate in the Master Gardener training will learn about a wide range of horticulture topics from fruits, flowers, vegetables, lawn care and landscaping to annuals and perennials, insect, weed and disease management, and even backyard wild life.
“In addition to the training, Master Gardeners agree to provide volunteer support to the local UW-Extension Master Gardener association,” Blonde said. “Fortunately, Waupaca County has a very active local UW-Extension Master Gardener Association with approximately 60 trained volunteers who provided almost 4,000 hours of time to locally approved projects, including organization and support for community and children’s gardens, growing produce for local food pantries, hosting spring and fall plant sales, helping with plant science exhibits at the county fair, or giving presentations to community groups on a topic of personal interest or expertise.”
To become certified as a Master Gardener volunteer, participants must attend 36 hours of instruction, pass a written exam and provide at least 24 hours of volunteer service during their first year after training.
After their first year, Master Gardener volunteers must also complete at least ten hours of continuing education each year.
Each of the 12 classes features a UWEX horticulture specialist. Cost is $130 per person, and includes all learning materials.
Class size is limited to 15 participants, so registration will be accepted first-come, first-serve. Non-county residents will be accepted only if empty seats are available.
The brochure and registration form are now available at the Waupaca County UW-Extension Office at the courthouse in Waupaca and online at www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/waupaca. The registration deadline is Monday, Aug 20. For more information, contact the Waupaca County Extension Office at (715) 258-6230 or use TTY 800-947-3529 for the hearing impaired.