OSKALOOSA — ISU Extension and Outreach – Mahaska County will be having an open house for Master Gardener training on Thursday, January 9, 4-6 pm. Current Master Gardeners and Suzette Striegel Mahaska County Coordinator will be available questions for their upcoming training and current activities.
The event is free and open to the public; attendees may come and go during the open house. Registration is not required to attend. Inclement weather will postpone the event. If in doubt, please call 641-673-5841, check local media, our website, and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Mahaska County or Mahaska County Master Gardener Facebook pages.
The local Master Gardener organization formed in 2003 after the county held their first local training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
The application window for the upcoming training will be open January 13- February 14 for the Winter/Spring 2025 Iowa Master Gardener training, which will be offered in many counties or extension regions, including Mahaska County.
Iowans wishing to complete Master Gardener training choose a county to complete training through, participate in approximately 40 hours of online learning modules and attend at least four in-person training sessions organized by the county office (tentative schedule available in January). After completing the 10-week training, trainees put their knowledge to work with a 40-hour internship in their training county.
Applicants apply online for the Winter/Spring training session at the state website. If accepted into the county training, applicants pay the fee ($150) and submit background screen information (required of all ISU Extension and Outreach volunteers) at/to the county office.
State scholarships are available for half of the fee; please indicate your need when you apply online. Mahaska County Master Gardeners offer a $25 incentive for the first 6 to enroll.
“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 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. Mahaska County held their first local training in 2003 and has an organization of local previously trained volunteers.
