UPDATE - Master Gardeners to hold Core Training Classses

Applications must be received by April 17th

Interviews will be held April 21st – April 22nd via zoom

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (March 30, 2020) –Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is pleased to announce the 2020 Master Gardeners Core Training Class is extending the due date of the applications to April 17th, 2020 in light of the COVID -19 Quarantine. Tentatively classes are scheduled to take place on the campus of Jamestown Community College, May 4th through June 27th. Classes may be online to start.

The Master Gardener Program is a nationwide volunteer program that provides educational programs on horticulture topics. Master Gardeners are neighbors who teach their neighbors about such topics as: Houseplants, Herbs, Annuals & Perennials, Composting & Soil pH, Fruits & Vegetables, Plant Diseases, Beneficial & Harmful Insects, Weed Control and much more. Throughout New York State, Master Gardeners are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening.

Classes will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through the months of May and June, with additional required sessions every other Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; May 6, 20 and June 9, 23.

Subjects to be covered include: Diagnosing Plant Diseases/Problems, Sustainable Gardening, Intro to Insects, Perennials & Annuals, Native and Invasive Plants, Pruning, Soils and Fertilizers, Vegetable Gardening, Weeds, Pollinators, Nuisance Wildlife, and Woody Plant Materials.

Those who successfully complete the 50-hour course may apply to become a Master Gardener volunteer in Chautauqua County or Cattaraugus County. New Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer 50 hours their first year. After the first year in order to remain active, we ask volunteers to donate at least 35 hours per year to the Master Gardener program.

If you have a passion for gardening and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, becoming a Master Gardener volunteer may be for you. Class size is limited pre-registration is required by April 17th, 2020. There is a program fee to help defray the cost of Master Gardener training materials and other expenses. The fee for the 2020 class is $125.00. This includes all class sessions, class materials and background checks.

Those interested in taking the MG Core Training classes can request an application from Lucia Conti by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension, (716) 664-9502 Ext. 209 or applications may also be requested by email at lpc33@cornell.edu.

The Master Gardener Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated March 30, 2020