In the fall of 2020, a Master Gardener Volunteer training will be offered to residents of Miami and surrounding counties.  The Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides broad instruction in horticulture for enthusiasts of any skill level or interest who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!

Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. September 8 – November 5, 2020. The sessions will be held in Troy, TBA.  There will also be a mandatory orientation on September 3 at 7 p.m. The cost of the course is $150 and applications are due August 21 ($50 due with application; balance due a week before class begins). Applications after the deadline are $50 extra.

In addition to the training, a Master Gardener certification will be awarded after the completion of 50 volunteer hours at OSUE sponsored projects or approved activities of their choice. Recent events include: Piqua School’s Garden Tribe, Miami County in Bloom Garden Tour, researching and responding to horticulture questions from the public, teaching gardening techniques to adults or children and other special projects. There are many opportunities to obtain hours either with a “hands-in-the-dirt” group project or as a “behind-the-scenes” individual contributor supporting non-physical activities. To maintain annual certification, Master Gardener Volunteers are asked to provide at least twenty hours of service and complete at least ten hours of continuing education annually.

Applications will be available beginning Spring 2020.