Penn State Extension in Butler County is now accepting applications for the Penn State Master Gardener Program.

Master gardeners are volunteers who support Penn State Extension’s educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational programs designed to provide experienced home gardeners with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.

Weekly instruction is provided, for a minimal fee, by Penn State Extension educators. In exchange for their initial 54 hours of formal instruction, participants must agree to provide a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service to the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program. These hours are completed by answering home gardening questions for the public who call the extension office for help or by participating in community projects. Examples of projects include creating and maintaining demonstration flower and vegetable gardens and conducting programs for school, civic and community groups.

Applications are being accepted through Sept 6. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Penn State Extension in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler.

An orientation session for program applicants will be held on Sept. 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Penn State Extension office.

For more information or to receive an application packet, please contact the Penn State Extension in Butler County at 724-287-4761.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.