Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Master Gardener? Well, if you act quickly, you just might get your wish.
Applications are being accepted for new trainees through next Monday, Oct. 31 for the WSU Spokane County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Training begins in January. You can find an application packet on their web site, www.spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/eastside, or you can call (509) 477-2048 for more information.
I've been a Master Gardener for 10 years now. The WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners are one of the nicest groups I've ever been a part of. Everyone is given the opportunity to participate in areas of particular interest to them. Since I'm a writer, I have helped write, edit and/or update some of the program's publications. I do public speaking on different gardening topics, which is something I really enjoy doing.
If you are curious about the volunteer commitments after you've gone through the training program, here's how it works:
We are required to volunteer a total of 20 hours per year in the plant clinic, where we diagnose plant problems that clients bring in, call us about or e-mail us. That works out to one 3 1/2-hour shift in the clinic per month, from March through October.
We also put in 20 hours of volunteer time each year, in a wide array of activities... again, tailored to your interests and expertise.
Starting the year after the trainees have gone through the program, volunteers are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education each year. There are always plenty of education programs made available to us.
While some of the requirements might sound daunting, it's really quite easy to get all of this done in a year's time.
So if you are interesting in becoming a Master Gardener, go to the above link and get started. I know you will love being a part of this group!