BY UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO BLAINE COUNTY EXTENSION
To become a University of Idaho Extension Master Gardener volunteer, federal standards require a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training, and 40 hours of volunteer service hours; however, fees, training times and volunteer requirements vary by county. Check out our class schedule or contact your county’s University of Idaho Extension office for an application and information about the next and nearest volunteer training. Some counties have waiting lists.
University of Idaho Extension Master Gardener volunteer training and laboratories are taught by University of Idaho Extension educators and in your community. Field trips and readings from your copy of the comprehensive Idaho Master Gardener Handbook will fill out your instructional program.
Once you’ve finished your classroom training, passed your exams, and completed your volunteer hours, or “practicum,” you’ll be certified as a University of Idaho Extension Master Gardener volunteer for one year. And, you’ll be enriched by basic gardening knowledge, pest identification abilities, leadership training and planning skills.
Many Idaho Master Gardeners choose to extend their certification into future years through advanced training and a commitment of additional volunteer hours.
You can even earn University of Idaho credits for your Master Gardener course.
For more information, visit University of Idaho Blaine County Extension Office, 302 S. 1st Ave., Hailey, extension.uidaho.edu/blaine or call (208) 788-5585.