Cooperative extension offers 2010 Master Gardener training

Those interested in the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's new Master Gardener training should attend a pre-class orientation 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Carson City Cooperative Extension office at 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 12.

Master Gardner training is Sept. 7 through Nov. 9. Classes will meet Mondays and Tuesdays at noon at the Carson City and Douglas County Cooperative Extension offices.

The Nevada Master Gardener program started in 1992, and has since trained 1,000 Master Gardeners in the fields of botany, plant care, plant identification, pruning, entomology, plant pathology, turf management, fruit trees, vegetables, weeds and plant-problem diagnosis.

The classes are taught by specialists from University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Nevada Department of Agriculture specialists.

The program will mold participants into certified Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners are leaders in environmental stewardship who teach members of the community and answer tough gardening questions.

Participants must take the required courses, pass an open-book exam, and donate 50 hours of community service in order become a certified Master Gardener. Once certified, Master Gardeners will receive various volunteering opportunities throughout the year.

In order to maintain certification, Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 30 hours per year.

If interested, please call Wendy Hanson Mazet at 775-784-4848 extension 120. Please call early to reserve a seat. Anyone interested in the program must attend the orientation. The fee for the training and all necessary materials is $125.