2023 BERGEN COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ONLINE PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Bergen County is now accepting applications for the 2023 Master Gardener Online Class which begins Tuesday, January 17, 2023. People who enjoy gardening and helping others are encouraged to apply to this program.

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension & the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. Students who enroll in the program will receive in-depth training in gardening and horticulture from Rutgers University faculty and professional staff. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Students are required to complete an online training program that runs weekly from January 17, 2023 to June 13, 2023 on Tuesday, 10 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom on our course management system called Canvas. The cost of the program is $200.

A computer or tablet with a microphone and speaker is needed to participate. A desktop or laptop is preferred.

After the initial training, 60 volunteer hours would need to be completed at approved Master Gardener volunteer sites in Bergen County within the expected two-year time frame to attain the title of Rutgers Certified Master Gardener.

For more information and to obtain a Master Gardener Application contact Karen Riede, Horticultural Assistant, at 201-336-6788, or email: karen.riede@rutgers.edu. References are not needed nor is prior experience in gardening. Telephone interviews will be set up at a later date with all interested candidates and further details regarding the class will be shared at that time. Registration info will be provided upon

being accepted into the program.