Do you want training in being an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer? Are you interested in volunteering for Master Gardener Projects once you are trained? This is your chance! If you have a strong interest in gardening and enjoy helping others, you are invited to apply to become an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

The Master Gardener Program is offered through the county’s OSU Extension office in Marietta. The training in 2019 will take place on Thursday, September 19; Tuesday, September 24; Thursday, September 26; Tuesday, October 1; Thursday, October 3, 10 & 24; Monday, October 28; Thursday, November 7; Tuesday, November 12; Thursday, November 14; Tuesday, November 19; Thursday, November 21; Tuesday, December 3; and Thursday, December 5. Trainings are in the evenings from 6-9 PM and will take place at the OSU Extension Office, 202 Davis Avenue, Marietta. On Saturday, October 12 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, there will be a tour of Hidden Hills Orchard in Marietta. The complete class schedule is available here go.osu.edu/MGClass. It is also attached to this email in the Master Gardener Application Packet.

To become an OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, applicants will attend all training sessions. Makeup sessions are available if you cannot attend training. You also need to complete 50 volunteer hours the first year. This volunteer time will include 4-H Youth Gardening Programs, Farmer’s Market Q&A booth, Horticultural events, Gardening Road Shows; our Memorial Garden project and Teaching Garden project at the office and other educational programs.
 

Required before starting the program is a background check for applicants because Master Gardener Volunteers will work with vulnerable audiences.  You will be given instructions from our office about how to complete this one-time background check after we receive your application. The current provider the university is using for this check is First Advantage.

To apply, call our office at 740-376-7431 and request an application be mailed to you or go to go.osu.edu/MG. It is also included in the Master Gardener Application Packet attached. Complete and mail application to OSU Extension, Attention Peggy, 202 Davis Avenue, Marietta OH 45750. The fee for those accepted into the training class will be $125. This includes the Ohio Master Gardener Training Manual and Master Gardener T-Shirt after completion of 50 volunteer hours. Payment is due the first day of class. In 2019 there will be one scholarship awarded for the training. You can find the Application here go.osu.edu/MGScholarship.

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