Popular Master Gardener Volunteer class to be offered in Battle Creek   Battle Creek, MI – Training for the popular Master Gardener Volunteer Program is once again being held offered by the Leila Arboretum Society in Battle Creek. Adults who have a strong interest in gardening and who enjoy sharing their knowledge are encouraged to apply to become certified Michigan Master Gardener Volunteers.   The Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension. Leila Arboretum Society will host the class at its Horticulture Training Center at 103 Limit Street on Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from September 3 through November 19.   Calhoun County Master Gardener Coordinator Sue Webster says, "This is a great opportunity to increase your gardening knowledge and skills, learn about new resources, meet new people and share what you learn with others. Helping people grow is what it's all about. Master Gardener Volunteer trainees have always enjoyed classes at the Horticulture Training Center at Leila Arboretum Society. The location has the added attraction of a greenhouse and many gardens."   Each class consists of a lecture by a Michigan State University professional or other horticulture expert, plus hands-on experience. Lectures cover a variety of horticulture topics including plant science, soils, best practices for growing flowers and vegetables, tree and fruit culture, plant pest identification and control, houseplant care, and much more.   Supporting the weekly lectures and hands-on components is a Master Gardener manual of more than 800 pages of research-based information. All this is included in the class fee of $275.   To become an MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, a trainee must complete the educational component and provide 40 hours of volunteer service, sharing their knowledge with others through horticulture-related projects.   "Leila Arboretum Society has trained nearly 1,000 Master Gardeners since 1992," says Anita Stuever, executive director of the nonprofit. We plan a special celebration for number 1,000, and that person may just be in the fall class."   Class size is limited, and classes fill fast, so would-be master gardeners are encouraged to register early. Applications are available from Sue Webster at (269) 969-0270 extension 115, or suemgc@lasgarden.org. Applications are also available at Leila Arboretum Society's office at 928 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Completed applications with payment are due August 25.   The course is sponsored by MSU Extension – Calhoun County, the Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Leila Arboretum Society.

Sponsored by Leila Arboretum Society.

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