Jul 12, 2016 2 min read

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

This 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 and weekly classes start in October and continued until March, comprising of approximately 18 weeks. Classes will be held at the local extension offices in each of the respective counties.

After completing the 40 hours 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 in order to be kept active.

Volunteer activities currently carried out by the Master Gardeners include monitoring pollinator gardens, consultations on various public gardens including community gardens, answering garden related questions on the Garden Hotline, planting flowers at the various county fairs, and teaching about plants in the schools, among others.

There is a program fee to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. Applications are being accepted through August. Anyone interested in attending the classes should contact thee local Master Gardener coordinator. Greene County residents should contact Cheryl Brendel at 724-627-3745 or cyb5296@psu.edu; Washington County residents should contact Laura Delach at 724-228-6881 or lkd10@psu.edu; and Fayette County residents should contact Valerie Sesler at 724-438-0111 or email vvs2@psu.edu.