Jul 14, 2016 2 min read

Penn State Extension in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties is accepting applications through August for the 2016-17 Penn State Master Gardener program.

The program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Informational meetings will begin in September. Weekly classes will be held from October through March at the local extension offices in each of the respective counties.

After completion of 40 hours’ worth of instructional classes, candidates must agree to volunteer 50 hours to the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program during the first year. In subsequent years, 20 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education are required to remain active.

Volunteer activities include monitoring pollinator gardens, consulting on various public gardens, including community gardens, answering garden-related questions on the Garden Hotline, planting flowers at various county fairs and teaching about plants in the schools.

There is a program fee to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. Those who are interested should contact the Master Gardener coordinator in their county as follows: Laura Delach, Washington County, 724-228-6881 or lkd10@psu.edu; Cheryl Brendel, Greene County, 724-438-0111 or cyb5296@psu.edu; or Valerie Sesler, Fayette County, vvs2@psu.edu.