For release January 30, 2009

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

Going Green in 2009

 

The “new” year is a month old, and many a resolution has fallen by the wayside.  But it’s not too late to act on a suggestion from your local Extension office - consider being a Florida Master Gardener!

Many folks have resolved to be more environmentally conscious in the New Year.  Some have decided it’s time to learn some new skills that can help open up job opportunities.  Others have resolved to help others or to get back in touch with the community.  All of this and more can be yours as a Florida Master Gardener.  Here are the basics:

• Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by UF that help people in the community.  In return for 70 hours of training, Master gardeners agree to provide 75 hours in a year of help back to the community.
• You don’t have to know a while lot about gardening – that’s what the training program is going to teach.  What is needed is a desire to learn and a willingness to help others.
• After the training class, volunteers will work alongside UF Extension agents and other veteran Master Gardeners at times that they are available.
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A training class is now forming in Okeechobee, to begin on Wednesday February 11^th at the local Extension office.  It will meet from 9 AM to 4 PM for 11 weeks.  Instruction will be provided by UF experts via a video conference system, and will be supplemented by locally develop field trips and hands-on experiences to help volunteers understand horticulture.

 

Trainees receive a “notebook” full of current information about gardening that they can use on their own and as a volunteer, or possible use this to help get ready for new employment opportunities.On completion of the training class, a name tag and polo shirt will also be provided in return to a program fee of $110.00.  Once the volunteer gives back 75 hours, they even get $25 back too!

 

For more details, persons can view an on-line “Sprouting kit” on the internet: http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/Master%20Gardeners/MG.Sprouting.Kit.htm.  Residents can stop by the Extension office and pick the “kit” up or call to have one mailed.

 

Applications are due by Wednesday February 4^th.  More information is on our Okeechobee web page, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu.  If you need additional information on Master Gardening, please email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469.  Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County Master Gardeners from 1 to 3 PM on Tuesday afternoons. GO GATORS!

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The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida, Millie Ferrer, Interim Dean. Last update: 01/30/2009 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert