Garden Enthusiasts Invited to Info Meeting for Extension Master Gardener Program
Friday, June 14, 2022
The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener volunteers tour a local greenhouse. The program offers many exciting opportunities to learn and share gardening knowledge with the community.
WICHITA – In the past year, the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program has dedicated over 31,967 hours to growing plants, developing gardeners, and improving communities in Sedgwick County. This year the program continues to grow and is seeking new individuals to join. Anyone who has a passion for gardening, enjoys learning and sharing knowledge, and is excited about volunteering in the community is encouraged to apply. A new volunteer training class will be held in the fall of 2024, and anyone interested in applying for the program is encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, July 18th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Center in 4-H Hall (7001 W. 21st St. North). The meeting will outline requirements and benefits of the program, and current Master Gardeners will be on hand to share their volunteer experiences and discuss volunteer opportunities within the community.
“The Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program offers individuals a wonderful opportunity to enhance their gardening skills and use their new knowledge to support their family, friends, neighbors, and community by sharing research-based gardening information,” says Matthew McKernan, Horticulture Agent for K-State Research & Extension - Sedgwick County, who oversees the program. “Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique talents and skills. While they have different gardening interests, they are united by a shared love for gardening and a desire to help better the community.”
Recruits for the Sedgwick County Master Gardener Volunteer Program must be residents of Sedgwick County and will participate in extensive horticultural training provided by K-State Research & Extension. Training classes are weekly and will begin Thursday, September 5th and run through Thursday, December 12th. Morning classes are held in person at the Extension Education Center and afternoon classes are held virtually on Zoom. Participation in both sessions is required. The cost for the class is $120.00 per person, and need-based scholarships are available to cover part of the cost. Applications will be available at the information meeting and are also available online, and must be returned by Thursday, July 25th, 2024 to be considered for this year’s training program.
Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers devote a minimum of 48 hours of volunteer service in the community annually. “They contribute greatly to our community by gathering fresh produce for those in need, teaching youth how to garden, sharing gardening information via social media, hosting educational booths at community events, and much more," says McKernan. Other potential volunteer activities include:
- Maintaining demonstration gardens and Arboretum
- Volunteering at gardening-themed workshops and special events
- Conducting classroom and after-school presentations for youth
- Answering gardening-related questions via the Garden Hotline
- Speaking on gardening and horticulture topics to local organizations
- Assisting community organizations with gardening plans
Since 1987, 921 Sedgwick County residents have received Master Gardener training from K-State Research & Extension-Sedgwick County. In 2023, Sedgwick County Master Gardeners contributed over 25,460 hours of volunteer service. They also attended over 6,507 hours of continuing horticulture education and then shared that knowledge with over 92,421 community members through their various events and workshops.
Source
Matthew McKernan
(316) 660-0100
mckernan@ksu.edu