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Purdue Extension Master Gardener course set to start soon
Purdue Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) receive training in horticulture to equip them to volunteer to assist Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.
The requirements for Purdue EMG certification include acceptance into the training through an application and screening process, payment of a registration fee, completion of the EMG Basic Training which includes passing the open-book final exam with a score of 70 percent or higher and contributing at least 40 hours of volunteer service approved by the local EMG county coordinator within two years. Purdue Extension Master Gardeners are also required to complete at least 12 volunteer and six continuing education hours every year in order to stay active.
During the course, participants will learn about plant diseases, pesticide safety, invasive species, soils, weed identification, insect identification, fruit gardening, lawn care, vegetable production and much more. Presenters include Purdue Extension educators and specialists from throughout Indiana.
We will be offering the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training in Putnam County from Aug. 14 to Nov. 30 (no class on Sept. 4). The course will be held on Mondays from 1-4 p.m. at the Purdue Extension–Putnam County office (physical address: 152 E. Columbia St., Greencastle).
Application and Registration Information
Please read the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide and complete, sign and return the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Application and Agreement (Form EMG-1) to the Putnam County Extension office. All applicants are also required to consent to national and state sex and violent offender registry checks and provide evidence of a government-issued photo ID to your local EMG county coordinator or designated Purdue Extension staff. You may download the policy guide at http://tinyurl.com/MGstateguide or contact Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or 653-8411 to receive a copy.
During the Putnam County 4-H Fair (July 21–28), no one will be at the Purdue Extension office. You can find Nees inside Harris Hall at the fair. She will gladly discuss the Purdue Extension Master Gardener course or help you complete the application process there.
Form EMG-1 and Government-Issued Photo ID Due by Aug. 2
Upon confirmation of acceptance of your application and providing evidence of a government-issued photo ID, an online registration link will be sent to you. The registration options are listed below:
• $200 for an individual registration with print version of Purdue EMG Manual; or
• $300 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual (sharing option works best for two people living in the same household).
Purdue is committed to making all programs accessible to participants. If you require auxiliary aids or services, or if you have other program-related concerns, please contact Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or 653-8411 at least two weeks prior to the program.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs.
Upcoming Events
July 21-28 – Putnam County 4-H Fair, Putnam County Fairgrounds
July 24 – Book to Barn, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds, ages 3-5, pre-registration required at 653-8411
July 26-27 – FAIRS Care Indiana State Fair tickets available for an $8 donation, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds
Aug. 2 – Last day to apply for Master Gardener course, call 653-8411 to apply
Aug. 15, 16, 17 – Succession planning virtual workshop series, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., $40 per registration, register at https://cvent.me/r9yl02
Aug. 18 – Summer PARP, 9-11:30 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds, register at https://tinyurl.com/AugPARP23
Aug. 23-Sept. 13 – Dining with Diabetes, Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Roachdale Community Center, pre-registration required at asmith22@purdue.edu