The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer training program conducted by OSU Extension, designed to help the county extension centers meet the growing demand for consumer horticulture information. Master Gardeners have classroom training coordinated by Courtney Keck, the Canadian County Horticulture Educator with the assistance of state extension specialists and other county educators. After classroom training is completed, program participants are involved in an internship program of volunteer service. Volunteer service components vary depending on the students' interests, but in all cases are educational, extension related, and represent the interests of University Extension.

 

Master Gardeners have become a vital part of Extension's ability to provide consumers with up-to-date, unbiased, research-based information. Master Gardening has also become a popular volunteer activity that gives its participants a sense of community spirit, accomplishment, and intellectual stimulation.

 

Application Process

There are no major requirements to be a Master Gardener other than an interest in horticulture & volunteering and a willingness to learn & help your community.

 

Objective:

To utilize the present skills and knowledge of experienced hobby horticulturists and to train such individuals further in sharing their expertise and knowledge with others in horticulture. This expertise will be used in assisting the horticulture program at the Canadian County OSU Extension Office.

 

Program Designed for:

• Anyone with a high school degree or equivalent with a genuine interest in horticulture who would enjoy sharing their research-based information with others.
• Those interested in learning the latest OSU horticulture research results, techniques, and practices.
• Anyone who enjoys fellowship with other gardeners and horticulturists and has an interest in community service.

Qualifications:

• Time to commit to class: every Wednesday starting late August through mid November, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Class includes extra reading and written reviews every week.
• Attendance is mandatory.
• Time and willingness to perform 60 hours of volunteer service to Canadian County Extension Office programs after your training and 40 hours every year after training. Volunteer activities include school & library programs, answering telephone hotline, Wildhorse Gardens community garden, greenhouse activities, Extension Office garden maintenance, Fort Reno Blue Stem garden maintenance, Plant & Seed Swaps, various Master Gardener information booths, and various other opportunities.
• A $150 fee is required for course materials, this includes, MG information, MG name tag, and MG mail fee.
• Enthusiasm for learning about horticulture and for sharing knowledge and skills.
• Interest in teaching others and working with the Canadian County public.
• Attend continuing education seminars.
• Eagerness to share your skills to enhance the Canadian County Master Gardener program.
• Ability to work well with others.

You Will Receive:

• Approximately 60 hours of classroom training from OSU State and County Horticulture Specialists in: gardening, lawn care, fruit production, landscaping, tree planting and care, pruning, insect and disease control, pecan production, flower bed care, soil improvement, and other horticulture areas.
• A complete resource book of OSU Horticulture fact sheets and USDA publications will be provided.
• Numerous other educational publications and books.
• May attend subsequent horticulture short courses at reduced charge as long as you remain a certified Master Gardener.
• Skills in teaching others
• Certificate of graduation

Following the Training, You Will:

• Have 60 hours of internship at the Canadian County OSU Extension Office answering home horticulture related questions by phone or office visits.

Cost:

• Registration fee is $150, non-refundable, to cover material costs. This fee is not due until after interviews and acceptance into the course. Master Gardeners who have repaid their hours may re-take the course without charge.