Master Gardener Course Being Offered in Branson and Ozark, Missouri

By University of Mo. Extension

09-05-2008

University of Missouri Extension is offering Master Gardener training courses in Branson and Ozark this fall.

“This is a great opportunity for persons interested in horticulture and gardening to learn new skills, volunteer in the community and become associated with other gardeners in the area with similar interests,” said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

The intensive six-week Master Gardener course begins with orientation on Oct. 2 and continues with three-hour classes on selected Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Branson and evenings in Ozark.  The classes will occur from Oct. 14 to Dec. 2.  Orientation is open to all who wish to learn more about the Master Gardener program and the classes that will be taught.

This year, participants have two choices in classes: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Branson and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Ozark. 

According to Dr. Gordon Carriker, agriculture business specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Ozark, the classes are taught by educators from University of Missouri Extension, Missouri State University and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. 

“There is a course fee which covers the 30 hours of instruction and many resource materials including the Missouri Grounds for Gardening manual,” said Carriker.

For more information and to pre-register for the Branson classes, contact Schnakenberg at the Stone County Extension Center, (417) 357-6812.  To pre-register for the Ozark classes, contact Dr. Carriker at the Christian County Extension Center, (417) 581-3558. 

Pre-registration is needed by Oct. 3 but space is limited, so call early.

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others.

Master Gardeners become volunteers of the University of Missouri and donate volunteer hours for community educational projects in horticulture.  Participants who complete the course can become a part of one of the Master Gardener groups in the area.

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