This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension Coles County at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/coles/
2010 Face to Face Training and Application
Dear Master Gardener Applicant:
Thank you for expressing your interest in the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program during the past year! This unique program combines horticulture education with community service. Participants receive 60 hours of instruction from University of Illinois horticulture specialists and educators, with the agreement to return 60 hours of volunteer service to their local Master Gardener Program.
Volunteer service is divided between office work and community projects. Office work consists primarily of researching horticulture questions submitted by area residents, organizing resources, and preparing diagnostic reports for mailing or computer submission. Community project work varies depending upon the skills and interests of the Master Gardener volunteer, but may include activities such as 4-H youth project judging, civic group presentations, writing newspaper articles, or working at the local Idea Garden and Plant-A-Row projects at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Applications will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 25. Qualified applicants will be interviewed in person. Master Gardener trainees from a 13-county area will be eligible to participate. All training sessions will be held at the U of I Extension Office, 1209 Wenthe Drive, Effingham. As indicated on the enclosed 2010 Training Schedule, sessions are scheduled for every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning January 20 and ending April 7. The cost of the volunteer training option is $225 which covers the Master Gardener Manual and training expenses. If this charge is a concern, I will be glad to discuss it with you.
There is also a non volunteer option available for a fee of $300. Please note that on the application if you are interested in this option.
A Master Gardener application is below. Details about on-line training are also available on this website if that is a more convenient option for you. You can also call for the on-line information. Please return your application to Coles County Extension office at the address above by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday November 25. Please feel free to call with any questions you might have.
Sincerely, Sharon Sharon L. Kuhns County Director
2010 Application - Coles County
____ I wish to become a Master Gardener and would like to be accepted into the training program. I understand that if accepted into the program, I will attend all training sessions and agree to provide at least 60 hours of service to the Coles County Extension Master Gardener program.
1. Briefly tell why you would like to be a Master Gardener.
2. Give a brief outline of your experience or training in gardening and other related areas.
3. Briefly state your gardening interests such as flowers, trees, composting, herbs, etc.
4. There are many opportunities for volunteering in the Master Gardener program and we are open to ideas. Check any of the following activities you might be interested in:
____assist in the office answering questions from local gardeners
____ talk to school children about gardening
____assist with Master Gardener training in future years
____assist with community Garden Walks
____donate and work at Plant Sales
____help develop/maintain the Idea Garden at SBLHC
____plant, maintain, harvest and deliver vegetables from the Plant-A-Row plot
____teach/assist with Gardening programs or workshops in the community
Other ____________________________________________
5. Please describe any previous volunteer experiences you have had.
6. Do you have any teaching experience with children or adults, either in a formal classroom or one-on-one in a garden or other settings? Yes______ No ______
If yes, please describe –
7. Master Gardener activities span a broad range of community service. If you are selected as a trainee, what time during the coming year would you not be available due to personal, job or other commitments?
8. Please list any special skills or training (computer, writing, photography, etc.) which may be useful during your volunteer service to the Master Gardener Program.
9. Have you had previous affiliations with U of I Extension? _______yes ______no
If yes, please describe. Include any client, volunteer or employee activities.
10. Are you employed? (Check all that apply)
Yes _____ Full-time _____ Part-time _____ No _____ Retired _____
11. How did you learn about the Master Gardener program?
_____ Newspaper _____ Coles County Extension Master Gardener
_____ Radio who ___________________________
_____ Extension Staff _____ Other ___________________________
_____ Coles Co. Extension Web page (please specify)
Completed applications must be received at the Coles County Extension Office by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday November 25.
Master Gardener Training 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Wednesdays (1/2 hour lunch) Effingham County 2010 Master Gardener Training
DATE
SUBJECT
INSTRUCTOR
LOCATION
January 20
Introduction to program
Botany
Brenda Roedl
Tony Bratsch
Effingham County Extension Office (all sessions - conference room in basement)
January 27
Woody Ornamentals
Diane Anderson
February 3
Plant Pathology
Nancy Pataky
February 10
Turfgrass Mgmt and Landscape / Garden Weed Control
