UConn Cooperative Extension System Master Gardener Program
Interns from the 2010 Master Gardener classes are in the process of completing their outreach and volunteer hours. Applications for the 2011 classes are expected to be available in late August.
Becoming a Certified Master Gardener requires the completion of:
* 85 hours of formal classroom training:
(16 classes, 1 day per week, 9AM-4PM, January-April)
* Successful completion of a written, open book exam before the in-service hours begin.
* 60 hours of a supervised internship at one of nine class locations. This includes:
--A minimum of 30 hours of hands-on training in the extension offices, where students are supervised in researching and determining the answers to a broad range of horticultural questions, including insect and plant identification, diagnosing plant diseases and providing sound horticultural recommendations.
--30 hours approved outreach education or community project.
* Tree/shrub/vine identification project.
* Attendance at at least one summer diagnostic session.
* Final, practicum exam at the end of in-service training.
Students enrolled in this program receive training in botany, plant pathology, soils, entomology, pesticide safety, integrated pest management (IPM), woody ornamentals, herbaceous ornamentals, vegetables, tree and small fruits, turf grass, invasive plants, water quality, environmental factors effecting plant growth, and diagnostic techniques.
Classes are held from 9:00am-4:00pm, one day per week from January to April. Class days and locations vary by year and are listed at right. Enrollment is limited and competitive.
2010 CLASS LOCATIONS
North Region
Litchfield County Cooperative Extension Center
843 University Drive, Torrington, CT 06790
•Wednesday classes beginning January 6, 2010
Coordinators:
Hartford County - Sarah Bailey (860) 570-9023
Litchfield County - Pat Eldredge (860) 626-6240
East Region
Tolland County County Cooperative Extension Center
24 Hyde Road, Vernon, CT 06066-4599
•Friday classes beginning January 8, 2010
Coordinators:
Windham County - Kim Kelly (860)-774-9600
Tolland County - Rondi Niles (860) 870-6934
South Region
New London County Extension Center
562 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360-6599
• Tuesday classes beginning January 12, 2010
Coordinators:
Middlesex County - Vicky McCarthy (860) 345-4511
New London County - Susan Munger (860) 885-2823
West Region
New Haven Cooperative Extension Center
305 Skif Street, North Haven, CT 06473-4451
• Thursday classes beginning January 7, 2010
Coordinators:
Fairfield County - Sandi Wilson (203) 207-3261
New Haven County - Jude Hsiang (203) 407-3167
Southwest Region
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, CT 06903
•Monday classes beginning January 11, 2010
Bartlett Arboretum MG Class Coordinator:
CMGA
