If you call yourself a “gardening geek” or simply want to know more about the natural world, now’s the time to sign up for the Oregon State University Extension Service’s annual Master Gardener training in Umatilla County.
But don’t be intimidated by the “master” part of a title that describes a dedicated volunteer force, said Mary Corp, the coordinator of the OSU Umatilla County Master Gardener program.
“The class is meant to be accessible to people from across a variety of educational backgrounds who have a passion for learning more about growing home gardens and tending their landscapes,” Corp said. “The ‘Master’ title is used to designate volunteers for Oregon State University Extension Service, such as Master Food Preservers. More than anything, Master Gardeners gain a good understanding of how to use research-based information to help people plan, plant and maintain sustainable gardens.”
Master Gardeners are trained by the OSU Extension Service and offer reliable, relevant and reachable information and educational opportunities across the county. They answer questions at OSU Extension offices, farmers markets and community events. They create and manage demonstration gardens, school gardens and community gardens. In addition, they host garden tours, workshops and classes in conjunction with other partners such as Umatilla Morrow Head Start, the Pendleton Public Library, and many others.
The OSU Extension Service will offer its Master Gardener training in Pendleton this coming February, and now is time to fill out your application to join the program and save your seat in the class.
Master Gardener training will kick off in early February and run one day per week for 8 weeks. Trainees take a series of classes from local and OSU experts on subjects ranging from botany basics to pest identification.
Master Gardeners volunteer their time so that they can teach others in their community about sustainable gardening. Master Gardener training fees for Umatilla County’s program is $115. OSU Extension requires a basic application. Those who want to work with children as part of their volunteer service must also undergo a background history check. Candidates must explain in a statement their reasons for volunteering and describe their volunteer history.
For those who work during the day, Extension offices in Lane County, central Oregon and Hood River offer night and Saturday classes. OSU’s Professional and Noncredit Education unit offers an online version of the training. at https://pne.oregonstate.edu/catalog/master-gardener-online.
Sign up to receive more information by e-mail about Master Gardener training online. OSU Extension also offers “An Introduction to Being a Master Gardener Volunteer” and a brochure. For more information call 541-278-5403.
