The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) invites adults interested in helping others learn about gardening and to apply to train as a Master Gardener volunteer.

UCCE Master Gardener volunteers learn University-based scientific information and then share that knowledge with the gardening community. Master Gardener volunteers are people of all ages and from all walks of life with a common desire to help others learn about gardening.

Master Gardener membership is open to anyone in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. A background check including fingerprinting is required.

An Information Session has been scheduled for October 23, starting at 3pm. Located at Tuolumne County Central Library, 480 Greenley Road, Sonora 95370

A Zoom option available:  https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=39298

The Master Gardener Training classes will include over 50 hours of intensive training by University of California personnel and horticulture specialists in various fields.  Topics include water management, soils, composting, native plants, fruit production, plant diseases, entomology, Integrated Pest Management, understanding pesticides, and more.

A fee of $195 will be charged to cover the cost of all class materials, which includes several reference texts.  After successfully completing the training program, certified Master Gardener volunteers agree to fulfill annual volunteer service and continuing education requirements. If there is room, training will also be offered at the professional rate of $350. At the professional rate, there are no volunteer requirements.

For more information, contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator by email: dlpowell@ucanr.edu.