Do you enjoy gardening? Would you like to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others? Then consider the Penn State Master Gardener Program.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2004-05 Penn State Master Gardener Program. Sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension, the program is a volunteer training opportunity designed to provide experienced home gardeners with the knowledge and skills necessary to share their experience and information with others. Interested individuals from Butler County are invited to apply for this year's program.

In exchange for 30 hours of indoor and outdoor instruction, candidates agree to complete 50 hours of volunteer service to Penn State Cooperative Extension. The volunteer portion of the program is flexible and can be designed to meet the interests and time constraints of the individual.

Weekly classes will be held Thursday evenings at the Butler County Extension Office from 7 to 10 p.m. Core curriculum classes will be held Sept. 23 through Nov. 18.

Following a holiday break, classes will resume January 6 and continue through March 24. There is a program fee of $125 to cover the cost of the training manual, materials, and instructor expenses.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 27. Candidates are selected on the basis of the written application, a pre-course test, and a personal interview. An orientation meeting and interviews will be conducted on Sept. 9. Applicants must attend the Sept. 9 orientation meeting to be considered for the program.

To request an application, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761. Written requests for applications may be directed to Butler County Cooperative Extension, 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA 16001.