The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program will begin accepting applications for the virtual 2021 training on Jan. 4. The program spans March 1–May 23, and resumes Sept. 7–Oct. 31.

The UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program, designed to train volunteers in horticulture and food system-related community service, includes self-paced learning modules and live virtual sessions with horticultural experts. Topics include vegetable and fruit production, plants for the Maine landscape, soil health, composting, pesticide safety and food security.

Participants will be expected to volunteer at least 40 hours to complete the certification in the first year. Volunteer opportunities and expectations will be adjusted based on public health safety guidelines. 

The $250 course fee includes all materials; limited financial assistance is available. Applications are due Jan. 24. Apply and find more information on the program webpage. For additional details or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.581.3188; extension.mastergardeners@ maine.edu. Sign up online to be notified when applications are open.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension helps support, sustain and grow the food-based economy. It is the only entity in our state that touches every aspect of the Maine Food System, where policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food security and safety are integral and interrelated. UMaine Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H.

 
About the University of Maine:

The University of Maine, founded in Orono in 1865, is the state's land grant, sea grant and space grant university. It is located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation. As Maine's flagship public university, UMaine has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service. UMaine is the state's only public research university and among the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the Northeast. It attracts students from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. UMaine currently enrolls 11,741 undergraduate and graduate students who have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research with world-class scholars. UMaine offers more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn master's, doctoral or professional science master's degrees, as well as graduate certificates. The university promotes environmental stewardship, with substantial efforts campuswide to conserve energy, recycle and adhere to green building standards in new construction. For more information about UMaine, visit umaine.edu.