OSKALOOSA — ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardeners and the Mahaska County Extension are pleased to announce that five Mahaska County residents have recently completed Iowa Master Gardener training.  The new Mahaska County interns are: Deb Draper, Maree Johnson, Joyce Moses, Troy Sheely, Mike Striegel.

Iowa Master Gardener is a job title, describing a volunteer who has been trained to educate the public about horticulture and gardening.  They completed over 40 hours of instruction through an online course and attend a minimum of four local in person training events.  The trainees also passed an assessment after completing the course to become an intern.  Master Gardener Interns then complete 40 hours of volunteer service in the next 12 months.  In ensuing years, a Master Gardener must complete 20 hours of volunteer time plus ten hours of approved advanced training, to maintain their certification.

A Master Gardener training will be held with registration due.  Persons interested in the Master Gardener Training Program can learn more by contacting Suzette Striegel at the Mahaska County  Extension office by email striegel@iastate.edu, phone 641-673-5841or by visiting the website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/ .