Master Gardener Program

Service Learning Resources

A successful beneficial insect walk, hosted by Master Gardener volunteers.
Master Gardener volunteers work with their communities to provide horticultural related education, such as Beneficial Insect Walks.

Once you've completed your 40 hours of Horticultural Training it's time to put your new knowledge to work! Participants interested in recieving their Master Gardener Certification are required to complete 40 hours of hands-on service learning, on a volunteer basis, in their community.

Service learning opportunities may consist of answering gardening questions by phone or in person, giving horticultural talks, assisting with community beautification projects, planting demonstration gardens, introducing children to gardening, gardening with seniors and other related activities.

Upcoming Service Learning

Opportunities in Kenai/Soldotna:
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Hightunnel and Garden- for more information contact Phil Smith, specialevents@kpfoodbank.org

Aug 16-18th, Kenai Peninsula State Fair, Ninilchik Fairgrounds, contact Lydia Clayton, lclayton2@alaska.edu


Opportunities in Seward:
Schoolyard Habitat Porject- for more information contact Matt Gray, mgrayrbca@gmail.com, 907.224.4621

Seward Chamber of Commerce Flower Beds - there in need of some tender loving care over the entire summer, for more information contact Cindy Clock, director@seward.net; 907.224.8051 

Numerous Invasive Weed Eradication Projects, for more information contact Jen Kain, sewardweeds@gmail.com, 907.224.5244

General Class Information

2013 Class Schedule 

Beginning Master Gardener Volunteer Requirements

Class make-ups

Students who are taking the class for credit or interested in completing volunteer hours to become a master gardener need to do make-ups for missed classes.  

The make-up requires you to:
·  inform me which you’ll be doing as a make-up,  
·  watch and participate in the make-up event,
·  provide a short synopsis to the class during one of our regular scheduled class times.

Make-up Opportunities:

  ·  Have another idea for making up a missed class?  Just ask!

What is the Master Gardener Program?

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers provide leadership and educational services to the community in home horticulture. Volunteer service is a large component of the Master Gardener Program and applicants must be interested not only in improving their own skills and knowledge, but also in sharing their knowledge with others. Anyone with an interest in horticulture and helping others may apply for the Master Gardener Program. Even beginning gardeners are welcome!

What is Master Gardener training?

Forty hours of intensive horticultural training is offered for those interested in becoming Master Gardeners. 

Classes are taught by University of Alaska Fairbanks professors as well as horticultural professionals from our community. 

What is involved in being a Master Gardener?

Trainees interested in completing their Alaska Master Gardener Certification will need to complete an additional questionnaire and interview. Once selected as a Master Gardener, participants are required to complete 40 hours of service-learning on a volunteer basis in their community in addition to the 40 hours of horticultural training. Volunteer services may consist of answering gardening questions by phone or in person, giving horticultural talks, assisting with community beautification projects, planting demonstration gardens, introducing children to gardening, gardening with seniors and other related activities. Not sure how best to volunteer? Don’t worry, UAF Cooperative Extension Service personnel can help you decide how best to use your talents!

When should I apply?

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting in early November an application will be available through the Kenai Peninsula District website. To request that an application be sent directly to you, please call 907-262-5824 or emaillclayton2@alaska.edu.

Applications must be submitted to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Kenai Peninsula District office (43961 K-Beach Rd., Soldotna, AK 99669) by close of business on December 21.

What is the cost of the training?

The entire course costs must be paid prior to the first day of class. 

For more information contact:

Lydia Clayton, UAF Extension Agent
43961 K-Beach Rd, Suite A
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907)262-5824
E-mail: lclayton2@alaska.edu   
Web: www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai

Lydia Clayton – 8 July 2013, Monday 17:00
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