A Master Gardener Volunteer training program will take place on Fridays from March 27 to June 26 at CASET (Center for Applied Science Engineering and Technology) on the campus of Lake Superior State University. The class is scheduled from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program, taught by Michigan State University Extension, is an educational opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about all aspects of gardening. Once participants complete their coursework and a final exam, they identify an opportunity within their community to complete 40 hours of a horticulture–related volunteer service project where they provide the educational expertise in the planning, maintenance or operation of the project.

Connie Watson, of Brimley, is one example of a local Master Gardener who completed her coursework and worked with the Sault Tribe in establishing community gardens with an overall goal of increasing access to local and nutritious foods for this community on a year-round basis. Activities and projects included garden establishment, hoop house construction and food preservation techniques. She has worked with nine different gardening projects across seven Upper Peninsula counties reaching over 1,000 people annually. She is currently working with the Bay Mills Indian community to establish these same goals of food sovereignty.

The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program connects gardeners across the state to MSU’s faculty and resources. Participants have access to information generated at one of the nation’s top plant science teaching and research universities and the chance to use this knowledge to improve their communities and enrich their lives.

The cost of the program is $300 yet there are partial scholarships available to help offset the cost. Please contact Rebecca Krans, 906-875-0606 or kransr@anr.msu.edu for more information.  Registrations will be accepted through Sat., March 21. Go to http://msue.anr.msu.edu/events/master_gardener_program_sault_ste_marie for all class and registration details.