New Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Brown, Clermont, & Highland County New Master Gardener Volunteer Training

The Master Gardener Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested gardeners who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University Extension county office.

What is the Master Gardener Program?       

Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardeners provide such educational services to their communities as: answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; gardening activities with children, senior citizens or disabled persons; beautifying the community; developing community or demonstration gardens; and other horticulture activities.

How do I know if I’d make a good Master Gardener?

You could qualify to become a Master Gardener, if:

  • You want to learn more about plants and gardening.
  • You are eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program.
  • You enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.
  • You have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer educator.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

To become a Master Gardener, you must:

  • Be accepted into the Master Gardener program by completing the volunteer application. Please note that the class size is limited. Trainees will be selected based upon their application and their availability and willingness to complete their training and volunteer requirements. Applications can also be found at https://go.osu.edu/2020app or picked up at your local extension office. Please email, mail, or drop off your completed application to OSU Extension Brown County no later than September 18, 2020.  More information will be emailed directly to you upon completion of online registration.
  • Complete the formal training provided by The Ohio State University Extension. The training is approximately 50 hours and participants must pass all quizzes and examinations with a cumulative average of 70% or better.
  • Complete 50 hours of volunteer time on projects pre-approved by the Master Gardener coordinator. This volunteer time must be finished within one calendar year after their formal training.

Is there a cost for the training?

The 2020 class costs $150 plus the cost of a required background check. If paying by check, make checks out to Ohio State University Extension.) Background checks can be done upon acceptance into MGV class.

When is the next training? 

Training will be offered virtually by the Brown, Clermont, and Highland County Extension Offices.

Preference to these counties first then outside counties may be added to fill virtual seats.

Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday beginning September 22 and ending November 19. Classes will be held from 9AM-12PM. Full list of dates: September 22, 24,29. October 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29. November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19.

Register no later than 09/07/2020. Register here: https://go.osu.edu/registermgv

I already received my Master Gardener Volunteer training.  Can I join a different county association?

Yes, if you are a member in good standing with another state or county association, you can switch your membership to a different county’s association.

There are additional criteria for transferring from out of state. Contact your local extension office for those details.

How do I continue as an active Master Gardener?

To stay active, you must do the following every year:

  • Pay your local association dues.
  • Complete 20 hours of volunteer time on pre-approved Master Gardener projects.
  • Complete 10 hours of pre-approved training in horticulture. Training opportunities will be provided locally but are also available at state and national conferences.

Contact Information

  • James Morris, Brown County: Morris.1677@osu.edu  937-378-6716
    • 325 West State Street, Building B, Georgetown, OH 45121

 

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