Master
Gardener Volunteer
Program Policy
2008
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a national program
and in Maine is part of the University of Maine Cooperative
Extension. The overall objective of the Master Gardener Program
is to educate home gardeners, address community efforts related
to horticulture and support the educational mission of the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The mission of the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is to help Maine
people improve their lives through an educational process that
uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.
Individuals apply for enrollment in the Master Gardener
Volunteer training program to learn about horticulture. This
training involves both classroom and hands-on experience. After
their basic training, Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 40
hours of their time to develop, adapt and extend research-based
horticultural information and educational programs to the
residents of their respective county. Trainees will become
certified Master Gardener Volunteers after successful completion
of the training and 40-hours of volunteer time in an approved
outreach project. Acceptable projects include
garden/environmental exhibits, lectures or public presentations,
and garden demonstration projects that are open and accessible
to the public. Such activities may also include:
Presentations to garden clubs, service organizations, schools
and other community groups
Writing
horticulture related articles for local newspapers, newsletters,
magazines and websites
Educational
gardening activities such as advising schools or community
garden efforts, and projects located at public sites such as
parks, historic properties or other public open spaces.
Designing
and/or producing educational exhibits or teaching aides
Participating
in special garden related efforts to reach citizens with
disabilities or who are disadvantaged
All projects require the approval of the Master Gardener
Program Coordinator.
Eligibility/Accessibility:
Any resident of Maine interested in studying
horticulture and volunteering in community gardening projects
may apply to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Since we
usually receive more applications than we can accommodate,
applications are subject to screening for county residence,
gardening and community service experience.
If you are a person with a disability and will need any
accommodations to participate in this program, please call the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension office in York County
at 207-324-2814 to discuss your needs. Please contact the Master Gardener Program Coordinator
two weeks prior to the start of the training to assure fullest
possible attention to your needs.
Initial Training:
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will
provide a minimum of 40 hours of Master Gardener volunteer
training. Training will be interactive with lecture, hands-on
learning demonstrations, and self-directed learning activities.
Class participation, discussions, presentations and quizzes will
be used to monitor progress of volunteers.
Certification:
The title of Certified Master Gardener
Volunteer is awarded to participants who successfully complete
both the training program and the 40 hours of volunteer time within
a specified time. Participants must attend at least 80% of all
training sessions; demonstrate knowledge and skills by achieving at
least an overall average score of 70%. Individuals requiring
special accommodation should make arrangements with the county
Master Gardener Coordinator.
Master Gardeners trained and/or certified from other
areas:
Individuals who have completed the Master Gardener
Volunteer Training in another state or county in Maine may be
certified as a Master Gardener in Maine. This certification is
approved by the county Master Gardener Coordinator.
Continuing Certification:
Master Gardener Volunteers who wish to remain certified
and active in the program must continue to volunteer at least 20
hours per year and periodically attend advanced training
opportunities. These opportunities include field days, tours, the
annual Maine Master Gardener Conference, or special workshops and
courses. There is no fee for continuing as a Master Gardener
Volunteer. Master Gardener Volunteers may make arrangements with
the coordinator for a temporary leave of absence.
Time/Activity Records:
Master Gardener Volunteers are required to complete a
monthly time log to report their activities, time spent and contacts
made. This minimal record-keeping process helps the local
Extension staff monitor the progress and effectiveness of
individuals’ outreach efforts. Volunteer reports can have a great
impact on future funding for this program.
Pesticide Recommendations:
Because Cooperative Extension is liable for its advice,
and because pesticide recommendations for organic or synthetic
products change constantly, only Extension personnel may recommend
pesticides when representing Cooperative Extension. Master Gardener
Volunteers are encouraged to refer all requests for pesticide
recommendations to the county Extension office or the UMCE Pest
Management Office, 491 College Avenue, Orono, Maine 04473; Telephone
1-800-287-0279; or web site
www.pronewengland.org
Fee:
There is a fee
for the basic Master Gardener Training course. This fee is
consistent statewide and covers expenses that include an extensive
reference manual, other publications, supplies and meeting
expenses. The fee is due on the first day of class following
acceptance in
the program (if
necessary, other payment arrangements can be made). If the fee is a
barrier to an individual, he or she may contact the county Master
Gardener Coordinator. Limited scholarships are available.
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