Registration set for spring master gardener program

Clark County Cooperative Extension will hold two registration sessions for its spring master gardener training. Master gardeners are volunteers who teach, assist and work with community partners on projects across the Las Vegas Valley.

Registration sessions will be from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 9 and 30 at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road.

During the registration sessions, Cooperative Extension staff will detail the training program requirements, volunteer commitment and master gardener community projects. A $150 fee covers all class materials including three textbooks, badge, shirt, tote and some refreshments. Applications will be accepted at both sessions and interviews of interested candidates will take place at that time.

The master gardener program is open to adults who accept the stringent training and volunteer commitments. The program teaches sustainable desert gardening practices, including proper plant selection and care, disease and pest management and water-efficient gardening. To become a master gardener, an individual must complete 80 hours of horticultural instruction and volunteer 50 hours on community projects each year. The master gardener title can only be used when performing volunteer work on behalf of the university.

Reservations to attend a session must be made by contacting Mary Bertsch at 702-257-5501 or bertschm@unce.unr.edu.

Spring classes will be offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from March 11 to April 29. Attendance at all 20 classes is required.

Additional program information is available at http://www.facebook.com/MasterGardenersOfSouthernNevada. For more information about the Cooperative Extension, visit the website at www.unce.unr.edu.