What is the Master Gardener
Program? Maine’s Master Gardener Program
provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the
art and science of horticulture . Trainees receive current, research
based information from Extension educators and industry experts. In
return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 40-hours of
their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.
As part of a nationwide
Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained
practitioners who serve and beautify their communities. They are linked to a
professional network of support through county, state and national Cooperative
Extension offices.
What Volunteer Projects
Do Master Gardeners Do?
The kinds of volunteer projects
Master Gardeners do are limited only by the imagination!
The Waldo and Knox-Lincoln County
offices are combining efforts to keep the Master Gardener program active and
vibrant. From Bristol to Belfast (and beyond), Master Gardener volunteers
are making a difference in their communities.
In Knox, Lincoln and Waldo
Counties, Master Gardeners are involved in...
Who Can Become A Master Gardener?
Everyone who successfully
completes the forty-plus hours of training, and volunteers forty hours towards
community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener. The
participation fee is $90 which covers the cost of the large reference manual and
the training site expenses.
Master Gardeners are Lifelong
Learners
Master Gardeners can help direct
their own advance training. Here are examples of how Maine Master Gardeners have
helped each other learn more:
In several Maine counties, Master
Gardeners have created demonstration gardens, which are excellent places to
teach other gardeners at field days, workshops, and tours. They also provide
places where Master Gardeners can experiment with new techniques, grow unusual
crops, design theme gardens, and hone their gardening skills. Master Gardeners in many Maine
counties meet regularly to plan and update activities such as guest lecturers,
workshops, and tours of gardens or horticultural businesses. In 1996, the Maine Master
Gardener Program hosted the Eastern Regional Master Gardener Conference in
Portland. A group of Master Gardeners helped plan and conduct this three-day
meeting for over 400 participants.
A Master Gardener
Knows....
How to turn leaves,
grass, and kitchen scraps into garden gold — compost
How to amend soil and
also benefit the environment
The difference between
beneficial insects and pests
How to save big by
growing their own vegetable and flower seedlings
How to get the most out
of Maine’s short growing season
How important freshly
grown food and beautiful surroundings
A Master Gardener ....
has a passion for green
and growing things
enjoys helping others
learn how to grow their own food
longs to create beauty
in public areas as well as private surroundings
wants to share an
enthusiasm for gardening with community, neighbors, and friends
A Master
Gardener is...
young
old
student
worker
retired
female
male
When is the next Knox and
Lincoln Counties Master Gardener Volunteer training?
Watch for more information about
upcoming classes in your local newspapers, here on this Web site, or on the
state-wide Master Gardener
Volunteers course schedule . If you did not make this year's
class but would like to receive information about classes scheduled for next
year, please
fill out the form below.
Please add me to the
Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo Counties Master Gardener waiting list.
First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
County:
Knox
Lincoln
Waldo
Phone:
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Comments:
Last
Modified:
11/03/09
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