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You can also review the 2009 core course components for education hours
If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn't necessary--we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener - each step is described in more detail below.
Online Class
January 12* to May 7, 2010
Master Gardener volunteers start January 12th; non-volunteers start January 20th.
Class topics and instructors change weekly
Registration Deadline: December 29, 2009
To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener in your county, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. The application process starts early - we begin sending out applications in August. Contact Linda Perrine, Becker County Extension 218-846-7328.
You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener meetings in your County, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.
Training
Training is held once each year in the metropolitan area in January and February. Master Gardeners attend a 48-hour class at the University of Minnesota known as the "Core Course" or Horticulture 1003 if taken for U of M credit. The course is taught by Extension faculty, and a textbook and mini-reference library are provided to each participant. For more information about the Core Course training, including times, locations, fees, and specific course content, visit the Minnesota Master Gardener page.
Internship
Following completion of Core Course Training, Master Gardener interns are required to do 50 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of continuing education during their internship year (which ends December 31). We make an effort to ensure that our new interns are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers and we assign a mentor to each new intern. So whether you volunteer at an "Ask a Master Gardener��? event, the Diagnostic Clinic or another event, you'll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who will make sure you're not on your own. You'll have fun--and you will learn a lot!
Certification
You'll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.
Remaining Certified
Once certified, Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 12 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.
Advanced Training
After you are certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information. Advanced training opportunities include:
Diagnosing Nutrient Disorders:
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/M1190.pdf
Whats wrong with my plant:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo/diagnostics/index.html
Tomato Problem Solver:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/tomatoproblemsolver/index.html">
What insect is this:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo/insectgallery/index.html
Is this plant a weed:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo/weedid/index.html
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http://www.beltramicountymastergardeners.org/Summer_2009_NW_News.pdf
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We are small in number, but big in energy and community involvement. In 2008 we had 15 active Master Gardeners that donated 842 hours of volunteer time in our county, educating the public about gardening and related issues. The national monitary value of volunteer time given by the Independent Sector for 2008 is $20.25 per hour. This equates to $22,659.75 donated to Becker County. We also participated in 277 hours of continuing education during 2008. The figures for 2007 were 842 hours at $ 19.51 equaling $30,669.72 with 340 additional education hours.
Our state Master Gardener program encourages us to participate in activities that highlight the following topics: Gardening as it relates to envirnomental issues such as pollution and water runoff, invasive species, diseases and insects; Building community capacity by working with diverse groups of people, providing access to gardening for people of all ages and abilities, and working with other organizations; and Increasing awareness of Extension programs and university research-based information. If you have a project or event in mind and you would like to have Master Gardener involvement, feel free to contact us.
From the moment of inception of the renovation of U. S. Highway 10 through the City of Detroit Lakes, both Pelican River Watershed and Master Gardeners knew the 4,000 feet of shoreline of Big Detroit Lake was a perfect venue for showcasing an environmental shift to native plantings in the resort city. The Watershed, City of Detroit Lakes and a representative of Master Gardeners, with others, worked on plans more than 2 years in advance.
Each of at least 8 organizations played significant and specific assigned roles
during the 2-3 week time period of arrival of the over 12,000 plants to their installation. Participants included Pelican River Watershed District, MnDOT, City of Detroit Lakes, Prairie Restorations, Luxury Landscaping, and DNR.
Because the thread of lakeshore was skinny at best and also for security reasons, plants were stored at an undisclosed location. Master Gardeners' mission: keeping plants arrive from delivery until installation, aka watering. Special piping and spigots were set up to accommodate the crucial task.
As publicity emerged at the dedication, Master Gardeners' in-kind contribution received repeated appreciation as a proactive organization in the community.
Participating Master Gardeners were Sally Hausken, Leslie Holen, Heather Ettlinger, DMae Ceryes, and Alice Wenzel.
2009 budget
Download file
Treasures report
Download file
