University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension is again offering Master Gardener Training throughout the state.
The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture-related volunteer training program based in many counties throughout the state. It has been part of UNL Extension since 1976.
Master Gardener volunteers are trained by UNL Extension faculty and staff. They contribute time as volunteers working through their local Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their community. More specifically, they provide education about sustainable horticultural practices.
Participants are required to complete 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer service during the initial year of their involvement in the program. Master Gardener volunteers retain their certification through annual training and volunteering.
Some of the topics that could be covered are:
– Plant functions and the growing environment
– Insect identification and management
– Turfgrass management
– Plant Diseases and Management
– Weed identification and management
– Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plant selection and management
– Wildlife management
– Landscape design and management
– Water conservation and management and many more
Class time, location, and cost vary across the state, but generally classes are offered from February thru May. This year's locations are as follows:
– Adams County
– Box Butte County
– Cheyenne County
– Dodge County
– UNL's East Campus
– Gage County
– Hall County
– Holt County
– Lancaster County
– Nemaha County
– Otoe County
– Platte County
– Scottsbluff County
– Wayne County
– York County
Check with your local extension office for complete details on a Master Gardener Program near you.