Penn State Extension, Lebanon County, is offering the Master Gardener Basic 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 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, sustainable horticulture, and environmental stewardship. To earn the Master Gardener designation, trainees must complete the online training program and earn at least 80 percent on a midterm and final exams.

The program also requires trainees to log 50 hours of volunteer service such as providing public education at the Lebanon Area Fair, supporting the annual Plant Sale and Garden Faire, and working in a demonstration garden. 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. Deadline for the Basic Training Application is August 1, 2024.

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691 in advance of the program (or film, event, etc.).

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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