The application period for the fall 2024 Master Gardener training course opened Friday and will be offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in 44 counties, including Pottawattamie, Harrison and Mills counties.
Iowans who want to become Master Gardener volunteers will need to choose a location to complete their training, participate in online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions hosted by their county office, according to a news release.
After passing the final exam, trainees put their knowledge to use during a 40-hour internship in the county where they will be training.
Master Gardeners embody the slogan “Learn, Grow, Teach” through a variety of volunteer activities. Master Gardeners choose from many different types of volunteer projects, including tending ornamental gardens, growing food donations for a local food pantry, and giving public presentations on gardening.
ISU Extension & Outreach
Applications for the fall session are open until Aug. 12. The county is looking for participants from all backgrounds and experience levels who want to deepen their horticultural knowledge and give back to their community.
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The Iowa Master Gardener Program is a year-round volunteer service organization that utilizes university-trained volunteers to coordinate projects that educate people and promote healthy communities using research-based horticulture and gardening knowledge and practices.
“Many people have a misconception about what the Master Gardener program actually is,” said Alicia Hertzog, statewide coordinator for Master Gardeners. “The Master Gardener program is not just about learning how to grow the best garden, although of course you can learn that too. Trainees use the knowledge they gain from their training to grow food for those in need, partner with local organizations to design green spaces, and implement programs in their communities.”
Council Bluffs volunteers and city staff created a pollinator garden at Trolley Park on Friday with the goal of restoring native insects and bees.
Your local Extension staff coordinator can assist you with questions about participating in Master Gardener training this year, as well as details such as when and where in-person meetings will be held in your county or Extension region.
Iowa State University has been offering Master Gardener training for more than 40 years, with more than 15,000 people participating in the program.
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