Applications being accepted for Bexar County Master Gardener class
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County is now taking applications for its next Master Gardener volunteer training class, said David Rodriguez, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Bexar County.
“Master Gardener volunteer training is conducted by AgriLife Extension and this will be Bexar County Master Gardener Intern Class No. 60 for adults interested in gardening, horticulture and related topics,” said Rodriguez, who oversees the program.
Currently there are more than 400 certified Master Gardener volunteers in the Bexar County Master Gardener program.
Rodriguez said classes will be conducted from noon–4 p.m. each Wednesday from Feb. 24 to May 25 unless otherwise noted. Instruction will be given in Suite 208 of the AgriLife Extension offices, located in the Conroy Square office complex, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio.
Master Gardener classes address topics ranging from plant growth and development to plant diseases, insects, soils, and basic landscaping and garden design.
Individuals completing the training become certified Master Gardeners, assisting AgriLife Extension through community education in horticulture, Rodriguez said. Volunteer hours may be applied to a variety of approved projects discussed during training.
Interns completing classroom training and passing the final exam will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service toward youth and/or adult education outreach their first year, and 30 hours annually thereafter.
Class size is limited to 30 participants and the deadline for submitting the application is Feb. 9.
A registration fee of $260 is payable in full on the first day of class. If the applicant withdraws prior to March 2, a processing fee of $100 will be administered. No refunds will be issued after March 2.
Applications are available online at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/. If unable to submit the application through the website, the completed application can be printed and faxed to Angel Torres at 210-631-0429 or mailed to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Attn: Angel Torres, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 212, San Antonio, Texas 78230-4818.
“Acceptance to the class is based on the person’s willingness to volunteer and the completeness of their application,” Rodriguez said. “Master Gardeners support the community by providing information and advice on gardening and landscaping, providing technical assistance, supporting the local green industry, and being involved in a variety of horticulture-related community service projects.”
However, he added, submission of the application is not automatic acceptance into the class.
“A background check is required on all applicants participating in the Master Gardener program and will be done on the first day of class,” he said.
For more information, contact Torres at 210-631-0400.
