Written by Greta HylandThe Iron County Master Gardeners Program is accepting applications for 2015 and the deadline is January 9th so hurry and get yours in! The Utah State University Iron County Master Gardeners donated 872 hours of volunteer service to the community over the past year.
Master Gardeners shared what they had learned by helping with the county fair, answering garden & landscape questions at information booths, maintaining the Water-Wise Demonstration Garden on Main Street, assisted in leading the 4-H garden kid’s summer camp, teaching classes, and helping with many other extension activities. Without Master Gardener volunteers many of the activities and programs organized by USU Extension would not be possible.
The Master Gardener program was developed to educate Utahns about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. Once a week starting in mid-January and ending in March, garden enthusiasts and novices alike meet twice a week to attend a seminar taught by a combination of USU Extension Service faculty and industry professionals.
Once trained, Master gardeners continue their education by giving 40 hours of volunteer service to the USU Extension. Through community service projects, Master Gardeners share their passion for gardening and give back to the community. Volunteer service is not a mandatory requirement to take the class. Some may choose to take this course strictly for the education and not the Master Gardener certification.
There are currently 7 spaces remaining in the 2015 program. There is a $250 fee to cover material and program costs. Half of the registration fee is returned upon completion of volunteer service. Applications can be downloaded from the county Web site at www.extension.usu.edu/ironmg and are also available from the Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service at 585 N Main, Cedar City, or by calling 435-586-8132. Registration deadline is Jan. 19, 2015.
