- Author: Janet Hartin
Become a University of California Master Gardener and Help
-Green- San Bernardino County!
This year we are also offering hybrid online/face-to-face classes for desert and mountain residents. These students will need to complete MG Handbook chapter tests, pass a midterm and final just like their brick and mortar classmates, and augment their online class with 6 hours of face-to-face training in the Victorville or Big Bear area (3 hours on two consecutive Saturdays).
Applications are due on or before Nov. 30, 2014 and can be downloaded here:http://cesanbernardino.ucanr.edu/
What is the Master Gardener Program? The Master Gardener program is a partnership between University of California Cooperative Extension and San Bernardino County in which county residents receive 50 hours of classroom training conducted by both University of California experts and knowledgeable practitioners in exchange for 50 hours of volunteerism.
Master Gardeners share this knowledge primarily by conducting workshops and demonstrations; disseminating gardening literature at public service events; addressing inquiries received through garden phone and email hotlines; identifying pest problems at plant clinics; and, contributing to our UC blogs and newsletter.
The main priorities of the San Bernardino County Master Gardener program are:
- Promoting Sustainable Landscapes that conserve water, recycle greenwaste, nurture soil, use integrated pest management principles stressing prevention to ward off pests and weeds, are energy-efficient, and attract appropriate wildlife.
- Promoting Healthy Food Production (backyard, community, and school gardens grown pesticide-free)
- Promoting Healthy Communities that connect our growing urban population with natural environments that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Who makes a good Master Gardener candidate?
Applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have a strong desire to enrich their community by sharing what they learn with others
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Volunteer at least 50 hours of their time in approved community service activities by December 15, 2015.
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Enjoy interacting with others and problem-solving
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Be interpersonally skilled, patient, and flexible
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Have some basic knowledge of landscape and food gardening (not necessarily in San Bernardino County)
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Have an interest in increasing their horticultural knowledge and skills
Want additional information? Attend one of the Open Houses listed below and spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
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November 8, Saturday, 9am to 11am at the HOOK Community Center located at 14973 Joshua Street, Victorville, CA 92394
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November 15, Saturday, 10am to 12pm at the Big Bear Discovery Center located at 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA, 92333
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November 22, Saturday, 9am to 11am at the UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardener Office located at 777 E. Rialto, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Questions? Contact Dona at Djenkins@ucanr.edu or Janet at Jshartin@ucanr.edu or 951.313.2023