Staff Report / cranfordlocal.org

**Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Seeks Volunteers for 2025 Master Gardener Training Program in Union County**

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is actively seeking volunteers for its 2025 Master Gardener training program, set to begin in January. Interested residents are encouraged to participate, as the program is designed for those with a keen interest in horticulture and gardening.

Orientations for prospective Master Gardeners will start in October, with virtual sessions hosted by Rutgers held twice a week until early December. These sessions will provide essential information about the program's structure, training requirements, and volunteer commitments. Participants must register and attend at least one orientation session, which can accommodate a maximum of 40 participants.

Classes for the Master Gardener program will take place on Wednesday mornings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. The program will emphasize both horticultural training and the volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener role, leveraging the nearby 1.5-acre demonstration garden and greenhouse maintained by existing Master Gardeners.

Union County will accept 25 students into the program, and additional details, including application forms, will be provided to those who attend an orientation session.

For further inquiries or to register for the orientation, residents can call 908-654-9854 ext. 2 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. More information about other Extension projects in Union County can be found at ucnj.org/rce.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a collaborative effort supported by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agricultural Experiment Stations, and the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Source: County of Union

Source Type: Gov

Source Location:

Cranford, NJ

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