ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The application window opens July 17 for the fall 2023 Master Gardener training cohort, which will be offered in 55 counties or extension regions. Local northwest Iowa counties offering the fall training include Cherokee, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, and Sioux.
Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training choose a county to complete training through, participate in online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions organized by the county office. After completing the 10-week training, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.
“Many people have misconceptions about what the Master Gardener program truly is,” said Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener statewide coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The Master Gardener training program is about more than just learning how to grow your best garden, although you will learn that as well. Trainees use knowledge gained in training to grow food for those in need, partner with area organizations to design green spaces and present programs in their local communities.”
Master Gardeners are volunteers who use research-based information to educate people and coordinate projects that promote healthy communities. Iowa State has offered Master Gardener training for over 40 years, engaging more than 15,000 people in learning about gardening best practices.
Applicants have from July 17 to Aug. 18 to apply for the fall session. Training for the fall session begins Sept. 5.
Local extension staff can help anyone with questions about joining Master Gardener training this year, including details of when and where in-person meetings will take place in their county or extension region. For more information, contact:
In Cherokee County: Jen Gaydo, Ag Program Coordinator and Office Assistant with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-225-6196 or gaydo@iastate.edu
In Lyon County: Carly Herum, Ag Program Coordinator and Office Assistant with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-472-2576 or cherum@iastate.edu
In Sioux County: Donna Mills, Master Gardener Program Coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-737-4230 or donnam@iastate.edu
In O’Brien County: Kate Stewart, Master Gardener Program Coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-957-5045 or kstewart@iastate.edu
In Osceola County: Sandy Lamfers, Ag Program Coordinator and Office Assistant with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 712-754-3648 or slamfers@iastate.edu