Dear Master Gardener Applicant:
We are delighted that you are interested in enrolling in training for the Master Gardener Program (MGP). The Master Gardener Program is a national program chartered through the United States Department of Agriculture, sponsored locally by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) of
Information meetings for the 2010 Master Gardener Program are scheduled on Thursday, October 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, October 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you have questions regarding the program, contact Leah Haynes, by email: ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu or phone: (805) 645-1450.
You must attend one of the required Information meetings detailing the Master Gardener program. This is the only opportunity you will have to obtain a Master Gardener application form. Information meetings are held at the Unversity of Cailfornia Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Office, located at 669 County Square Drive, in Ventura.
At the end of the Information meeting, those wishing to enter the Master Gardener training program will receive an application and sign up for their interview. Interviews are scheduled to be held October 21,22, and 26 at the UCCE offices. Within two weeks following the interview, a letter of invitation will be sent to those accepted into the program. The training program is limited to 35 individuals, and we frequently have more applicants than available spaces.
The 2010 Master Gardener training classes are scheduled on Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., January 7 through May 20, 2010. Classes are held at the UCCE Office in Ventura or at the Hansen Agriculturual Center at the Faulkner Farm in Santa Paula. However, a few classes may held at field locations to be announced, or at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Final details will be provided at the information meetings.
Participants who complete the training with no more than two absences, participate in a group hands-on garden learning program, pass a final comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher, and who complete their 80 volunteer hours, will receive certification as a UC Master Gardener. University policy requires all volunteers to clear livescan fingerprinting prior to beginning volunteer service; details about this process will be provided during the Information meetings.
On the first day of class, a $125 check or cash should be ready, payable to UC Regents. This is a fee for course materials, and is non-refundable. Financial assistance is available to cover the materials fee, and if you'd like more information, contact Leah Haynes, by email: ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu or phone: (805) 645-1450.
The UCCE and UC Hansen Trust staff are delighted that you are interested in the MGP, and hope that we will see you at one of the Information meetings. We look forward to meeting you then.
Warmly,
Leah Haynes,
UC Volunteer Coordinator