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March 29, 2024 3:37 am

Become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer

WAYNE COUNTY — Do you have an interest in learning more about gardening? Would you like to meet and share with other gardeners? Do you have an interest in volunteering to provide gardening educational programs with N.C. Cooperative Extension? Then the Extension Master Gardener program in Wayne County may be for you.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County office is now accepting applications to recruit new Master Gardener volunteers in Wayne County. An Extension Master Gardener volunteer is a volunteer for N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Volunteers assist their local county Extension office providing unbiased, research-based information to gardeners of all ages on home lawns, landscapes and gardens. The information that Master Gardener volunteers provide is one that guides homeowners in making practical decisions in their landscapes and gardens.

Potential volunteers should have an interest and commitment to volunteering, be available to volunteer on weekdays, be willing to share their knowledge and be interested in learning more about gardening. Prior gardening knowledge is not required.

Volunteers who finish the training course will be expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service working with the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County and Master Gardener volunteer projects. Only then will each student earn the title of Master Gardener volunteer in Wayne County. To maintain this title in subsequent years, volunteers must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 educational hours.

The application deadline to volunteer is Jan. 20. The training course core classes will be held in early 2023 on Wednesdays starting Feb. 1 through May 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. Complementary classes in the fall season will be held to provide additional training. The training course prepares potential volunteers to answer gardening questions and diagnose common problems related to cultivating lawns, fruits and vegetables, and landscape plants. The registration cost is $85 without a handbook or $135 with a hard copy handbook.

To apply:

• Pick up an application packet at N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County office. Office is located at 3114B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro in the Maxwell Center.

• Submit an application online

• Download an application. Fill out and drop off at N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County office or e-mail to jessica.strickland@waynegov.com.

There will be a meet and greet interest meeting to learn more about the program Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County office. For more information, contact the Extension office at 919-731-1520.

— From the Wayne County Cooperative Extension website