PANAMA CITY — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s (IFAS) Bay County Extension Office is seeking volunteers for its Master Gardening program, and despite its title, no green thumb is required to participate.
“You do not have to have a green thumb at all,” said local program head Julie McConnell. “Even somebody who thinks they kill everything in the yard, it doesn’t mean they can’t be a valuable asset.”
The Bay County Extension Office, located at 2728 E. 14th St., will hold an open house Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for those interested in becoming a volunteer. McConnell and several master gardeners will be available to answer any questions about the program, which was first established by Florida Extension agents in 1979.
While most think of the program simply as a gardening class, those who complete it serve as local environmental stewards through education and outreach about gardening in Florida. McConnell said those interested in participating should have at least some interest in gardening, good public outreach skills and time to volunteer.
“The whole point of the Master Gardening program is to support (UF-IFAS) Extension and help educate the public,” she said. “Most of the calls that come in are for horticulture. We have so many people here from other areas. The gardening here is very difficult, very challenging.”
To become a master gardener, volunteers must complete an 11-week training course as well as 75 volunteer hours in the first year. The next Bay County class will meet every Thursday between April 16 and June 25.
Overall, Bay County is home to 56 master gardeners, with 35 very active in the program. Last year, participants gave back more than 2,900 volunteer hours to the community through a variety of activities, including assistance with several local school gardens.
For Ina Crawford, a master gardener since 2001, the program is all about giving back. Crawford spent the day Monday handing out soil sample kits to help local gardeners determine the best strategy for growing.
“You don’t really have to be a gardener; you need to be able to follow directions,” Crawford said of the program, which has helped her gain a wealth of knowledge about Florida horticulture. “I like the outreach. I like gardening with children, because they’re the future gardeners.”
Want to go?
- What: Master Gardening program open house
- When: Wednesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Where: Bay County Extension Office, 2728 E. 14th St. (Cedar Grove)
- Why: Open house to recruit volunteers for the Master Gardening program.
- Contact: 850-784-6105 (extension office)