Penn State Extension, Lebanon County, is offering a master gardener training program that will teach topics ranging from tree care and identifying native plants to composting and creating a sustainable garden.
The 20-week online program includes 40 hours of live classroom instruction, with classes from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from October through March. There will also be some in-person sessions with hands-on activities at the Lebanon County Extension Building on Cornwall Road.
Participants will learn about the different types of trees, native plants, pollinators, composting techniques, sustainable horticulture, and environmental stewardship. To earn the master gardener designation, trainees must complete the online training program and earn at least an 80 percent on a midterm and final exam.
The program also requires trainees to log 50 hours of volunteer service such as providing public education at the Lebanon Area Fair and supporting the annual Plant Sale and Garden Faire. After the initial year, master gardeners must log 20 hours of volunteer service and complete 10 hours of continuing education.
The program costs $200. Financial assistance may be available.
The master gardener program has been offered since 1982 and currently has more than 3,500 master gardeners in the state. For more information, visit Penn State Extension’s master gardener website or contact Judy Van Kuren at jpv5323@psu.edu.
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