Become a Master Gardener

The Colorado Master Gardener program in Pagosa Springs will be taking applications for the Winter/Spring, 2010 class, which will be taught both at the Archuleta & LaPlata County Extension Office starting in January 2010 and running through April 2010

Those accepted to the program receive 10 or so weeks of training in plant care and have the opportunity to work with other gardeners from Pagosa Springs to volunteer in the community. The Colorado Master Gardener program is ideal for gardeners who wish to increase their knowledge of horticulture and help others learn the joy of successful gardening.

In addition to receiving training from Colorado State University professors, specialists and horticulture agents, master gardeners learn on the job as they perform 50 hours of volunteer work during the growing season. Volunteers help the community by answering questions on garden care and provide education through teaching classes, writing news articles, working with special audiences and maintaining demonstration sites. Statewide, the value placed on the time donated by the 1,800 plus master gardeners is more than $1.3 million.

The Colorado Master Gardener program also can be a stepping stone toward a career in horticulture. Recognized by the green industry as a great vocational education course, the Colorado Master Gardener program is open to persons within and outside of the professional growing area. Many people considering a career in the green industry start with master gardener training as an all-around introduction to advanced plant care.

If gaining knowledge and helping others through horticulture is of interest to you, the Colorado Master Gardener program is an ideal volunteer choice. Please contact the Colorado State University Extension office in Pagosa Springs at 264-5931 for more information or an application.

Our classes are held in conjunction with Extension in LaPlata County, with about half of classes being held in Pagosa Springs. Quite a few classes are planned for the Durango location. We are in session from 9:00AM to 4:00PM with an hour for lunch. The cost will be posted soon and includes two Colorado Master Gardener reference notebooks. We look forward to hearing from all who are interested and encourage you to join this fun group of hard working volunteers. The deadline for submitting your application is December 4th, 2009 so call soon!

Download information about the classes.
Download an application for the 2010 course.
Download a flyer.