Are you considering becoming a Penn State Extension Master Gardener but not sure where to start?
To learn more about this exciting opportunity to serve the Butler County community, please join us for an information session on Tuesday, June 4th at 6:30pm at Shelter 13, Alameda Park in Butler Township.
To access session registration forms to join the 2024-25 training class, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/butler/become-a-master-gardener .
The Penn State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased, research-based information to educate the public and local communities about best practices in sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Butler County contribute to the program's mission throughout the year.
Butler County Master Gardeners are a shining example of the power of volunteerism. The Butler County program was established in 1991. There are 133 Master Gardener volunteers, with 20 graduating the training program in spring 2024. Through dedicated community outreach, Master Gardeners have completed 4,991 volunteer hours and 1,415 hours of advanced education in 2023-2024. Trained volunteers have answered more than 250 Garden Hotline calls from the community.
Master Gardeners have taught gardening and poison prevention to students in nine community schools and have partnered with the Zelienople Historical Society to host youth summer camps. The writing team has published 36 educational articles in the Butler Eagle. Butler County's eight teaching gardens consist of more than 40,000 square feet of volunteer demonstration gardens. Statewide, Master Gardener volunteers have contributed more than 220,000 volunteer hours and generated $7 million in results.
The Penn State Master Gardener Program, coordinated by Penn State Extension, provides horticultural training to interested individuals in exchange for volunteer work. To enter the Master Gardener training program, an application and virtual interview are required. Master Gardeners receive 40 hours of class time in a variety of subjects, including entomology, botany, soil science, pesticide safety, plant propagation and communication skills. This training is provided by Extension educators throughout Pennsylvania.
Once accepted into the training program, Master Gardener apprentices pay a nominal fee of $200 for instruction, program materials and manuals. A computer or electronic device and reliable internet access are required to participate in the training. This year's training program will begin with a Welcome Night in September and conclude in March 2025. This year's training will be a hybrid class, with Thursday evening lessons delivered remotely and students participating from home. Additionally, supplemental opportunities for group learning will be provided through additional hands-on instruction and activities.
To become certified, all Master Gardeners must complete required coursework, pass an exam administered by Penn State Extension, and complete 50 hours of volunteer work. Many Master Gardeners continue in the program for years by completing continuing education and volunteering in their communities.
Butler County Master Gardeners can be contacted at the Butler County Extension office at 724-287-4761, ext. 7, or by email at Butlermg@psu.edu.
Diane Dallos is an Extension educator and Master Gardener coordinator for Penn State Butler County.
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