UNL Master Gardener Program in the Panhandle
The University of Nebraska Extension's Master Gardener Program uses the talents of experienced, knowledgeable gardeners who want to share their knowledge with others in the community. Master Gardener volunteers may be anyone who has gardening experience and has the time to devote for public service. People who participate include active retired persons, housewives, part-time employees, garden club members and others.
Volunteers who are accepted into the program are trained by faculty from the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. The training takes place at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, in February, March and April.
At the end of the training program, Master Gardeners are required to give volunteer service to their local Extension office equal to the number of hours of training received. On average, this is 40 hours. Master Gardeners work closely with Extension Educators in the local County Extension Office in solving problems or giving information. Master Gardeners also give talks or workshops to the public or write news articles about various phases of horticulture that they are knowledgeable in. Some may talk on care of house plants, others on flowers, vegetable gardening or other subjects. Anyone who is interested in plants and is willing to volunteer is encouraged to apply.
Participation in the Master Gardener Training Program is $30 for all the sessions or $10 per session. Participants can also purchase an optional Master Gardener Handbook as a reference.
Featured NebGuide:
For more information:
- Gary Stone, Extension Educator, Scotts Bluff County, (308) 632-1319
- Karen DeBoer, Extension Educator, Cheyenne, Kimball-Banner Counties, (308) 254-4455.
Links: