The Louisiana Master Gardener (LMG) program is a service and educational activity designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet the needs of home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for volunteers. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to help educate the public on best management practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. Master Gardener volunteers play an important role in reaching the consumer horticulture audience and learn quickly that being a Master Gardener volunteer provides a fun, interesting and rewarding experience.
Local residents of Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn and surrounding parishes who have an interest to become a certified Louisiana Master Gardener volunteer are invited to participate in the 2012 LMG training program scheduled for August 22nd thru November 7th.
Training will involve one class session per week conducted each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the Natchitoches Arts Center on Second Street next to City Hall.
Classes will involve more than 14 subject matter areas in horticulture with instruction provided by PhD specialists and parish County Agents of the LSU AgCenter. Additional instruction will be provided by certified horticulturalists, Master Gardeners, and other professionals. Participants are not required to have an extensive horticulture background or knowledge as the course work is tailored for beginners and experienced gardeners.
There is a $150 registration fee to cover the cost of the training manual and teaching supplies. Class size will be limited to a maximum of 20 participants. To qualify for selection, a Louisiana Master Gardener application must be submitted and received at the Natchitoches Parish County Agent’s office by August 13. To request an application for the 2012 LMG Certification training program call 318-357-2224.
The Louisiana Master Gardener program is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and is open to all adults regardless of socio-economic level, race, color, sex, religion or national origin.