The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program has dedicated 31,967 hours to improving communities throughout the county over the past year, but is always looking to grow and seek new members.
Anyone with a passion for gardening, learning and sharing knowledge is welcome to apply for the program, which has training classes scheduled for fall 2024. Leading up to that, an information meeting will be held on July 18 from 2-4 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Center 4-H Hall (7001 W. 21st St. N.). The meeting will explain the program requirements and benefits, and will feature current Master Gardeners to share their volunteer experiences and discuss volunteer opportunities in the community.
“The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals to enhance their gardening skills and use their new knowledge to support family, friends, neighbors and the community by sharing research-based gardening information,” said Matthew McKernan, K-State Research & Extension – Sedgwick County horticulture agent who oversees the program. “Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and each brings their own unique talents and skills. They all have different interests in gardening, but are united by a love of gardening and a desire to better their community.”
Program participants must be Sedgwick County residents and will participate in extensive horticulture training provided by K-State Research & Extension. Training classes will be held weekly, beginning Thursday, Sept. 5 and running through Thursday, Dec. 12. Classes cost $120 per person, with need-based scholarships available to cover a portion of that cost. Applications will be available at the information session and are also available online. Applications must be returned by July 25 to participate in this year's training program.
Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener volunteers volunteer a minimum of 48 hours each year on projects such as maintaining demonstration gardens and the Sedgwick County Extension Arboretum, volunteering at gardening-themed workshops and special events, giving classroom and after-school presentations to youth, answering gardening-related questions via the Garden Hotline, speaking to local organizations about gardening and horticulture, and assisting community organizations with their gardening plans.
