Have you considered becoming a Penn State Extension Master Gardener but don’t know where to begin? Attend the training session informational Virtual Open House at 7 p.m., Aug. 26, to learn more about this exciting opportunity to serve the Butler County community.  

The virtual session will be held on Zoom. To access the registration form for the session, as well as to submit the online application to join our 2021-22 training class, visit: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/butler/become-a-master-gardener.

If you are not able to join the Aug. 26 session, register for the event, and a recording of the meeting will be sent to you via email.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteer program supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension by utilizing unbiased research-based information to educate the public and our communities on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Butler County contribute to the program’s mission throughout the year.

Butler County Master Gardeners are shining examples of the power of volunteerism. The Butler County program was founded in 1991. Currently, there are 105 Master Gardener volunteers, including 10 Master Gardeners who completed their training program in 2021.

The Master Gardeners completed 2,845 volunteer hours and 1,175 hours of advanced education in 2019-20 through dedicated community outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trained volunteers answered 261 Garden Hotline calls from the community. The Master Gardeners also taught students gardening and poison prevention at community schools and the Seed to Supper program, a vegetable gardening curriculum for those who struggle with food insecurity.

The writing team published 36 educational articles in the Butler Eagle and was honored with a statewide Search for Excellence award for their efforts in educating Butler County residents. The eight Butler County educational gardens comprise over 40,000 square feet of demonstration gardens maintained by volunteers.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program, coordinated by Penn State Extension, provides horticultural training to interested individuals in exchange for a commitment of volunteer time.

To be considered for the Master Gardener training program, an application and virtual interview are required. A Master Gardener completes a minimum of 40 classroom hours in subjects such as: entomology, botany, soil science, pesticide safety, plant propagation and communication skills. This training is provided by Extension educators from across Pennsylvania.

Once accepted into the training program, the Master Gardener apprentice pays a nominal fee of $200 for program materials and manual. A computer or electronic device and reliable internet access are required for participation in the training. This year’s training program begins on with our Welcome Night on Sept. 30 and ends March 24, 2022. This year’s training is a hybrid class with the Thursday evening lessons offered remotely with students joining from their homes. Supplemental opportunities to gather as a group for additional hands-on instructions and activities will be offered.

All Master Gardeners must complete the required class work, score a passing grade on a written examination administered by Penn State Extension, and fulfill 50 volunteer hours to obtain certification. Many Master Gardeners continue with the program for years by completing continuing education and volunteering.

Butler County Master Gardeners can be contacted through the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 227, or by email to Butlermg@psu.edu.

Diane Dallos is the Master Gardener Coordinator with Penn State Extension Butler County.