Do you have time to volunteer? Become a Paulding County Extension Master Gardener

Is Extension Master Gardening for you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to learn more about plants, growing things, and gardening?
• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
• Do I have enough time to attend the training and complete my volunteer work?
• 2012 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Application

2012 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Acceptance into the 12-week training program is by application. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. The 2012 class is scheduled to be held weekly on Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Jan. 4 through March 21, 2012, at the Bartow County UGA Cooperative Extension Office. 

As enrollment in the Master Gardener program is limited, you are encouraged to fill out the application as thoroughly as possible. The selection committee, comprised of a group of veteran Master Gardeners and the County Extension agent, reads all applications. Please return completed application to Paulding County Extension, 530 West Memorial Drive, Dallas, GA 30132.

If you are selected as a Master Gardener volunteer, you will be asked to submit the program fee of $150 by the deadline of Nov. 1, with a required orientation session on Feb. 8 at the Paulding County Extension office. If payment is not received by the deadline, your name will be removed from class acceptance and an alternate selected.

In exchange for training, Master Gardener interns are required to pass a midterm and a final exam with a score of at least 70 percent, not miss more than one day of classes and to complete 50 hours of approved volunteer service in Paulding County within one year to become a certified Master Gardener. The University of Georgia Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program offers many opportunities to make new friends and enhance your horticultural expertise while helping others to learn through Extension volunteer education activities.

The Master Gardener program is coordinated in each county by an Extension agent, and each applicant is responsible to him/her for all classes, volunteer work, etc. Master Gardeners promote, inform and work with local communities by:

• Answering gardening questions at county fairs, garden centers, flower shows, libraries, shopping centers, and in the Extension office.
• Designing and installing community landscape and beautification projects.
• Identifying plant cultural problems, insects, and diseases.
• Teaching communities how to conserve and enjoy their natural resources.

For more information about the Master Gardener Program, contact your local County Extension office:

• Paulding County Extension – 770-443-7616
• Bartow County Extension – 770-387-5142
• Cobb County Extension – 770-528-4070
• Douglas County Extension – 770-920-7224