Community

   The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service will offer the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program beginning February 20, 2014.  Applications will be taken through February 7th for the Class of 2014.

   The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a horticulture education program designed to help meet the educational needs of home gardeners.  As an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, you will receive 40 hours of training in the following areas:  vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees, lawn care, houseplants, plant diseases & insects, and soils.  Upon completion of the course each Extension Master Gardener  Volunteer is requested to devote a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer time to the Rutherford County Extension Center in assisting with the consumer horticulture area.

   Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Rutherford County have been involved in many phases of consumer horticulture education from answering telephone calls, programs given to civic organizations, community beautification, youth activities, school projects and demonstrations.  

  Individuals interested in the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program can contact Jan McGuinn, Agriculture Extension Agent at the Rutherford County Extension Center at  (828) 287-6010 to request an application form.  All classes will be held at the Extension Center on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for 11 weeks.  Class fee is $100.00 for the course and all materials will be provided.

   The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.