Southwest Louisiana Master Gardeners
Calcasieu, Beauregard, Cameron, Jeff Davis, & Allen Parishes
The Master Gardener is a volunteer service and educational activity of the Parish Extension Horticulture Program offered by the Extension Horticulture Agent, Robert M. Turley in support of his program efforts. This part of the horticulture program is designed to recruit and train volunteers to help expand his educational efforts to home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile service experience for volunteers.
The Parish Extension Horticulture program through its Master Gardener classes provide invaluable training and educational opportunities. This class training is open to all with the understanding that an equivalent amount of volunteer time is given in return to the horticulture program for the training!
Becoming A Master Gardener
The Master Gardener Training Program is a 40-hour course required to become an LSU AgCenter Certified Master Gardener Volunteer. The training program is a balanced, integrated, practical course in gardening. Special topics, based on Louisiana gardening needs, are part of the curriculum and involve a balance of lecture and hands-on activities.
Under the guidance and direction of Extension agents, volunteers must complete a 40-hour training program, pass an exam and complete a 40-hour volunteer internship in order to become a certified Master Gardener.
To remain active in the program, volunteers must log a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer time and a minimum of 6 hours of continuing education each year.
What the Master Gardener is NOT !!!
A Master Gardener is part of the LSU Extension horticulture program under its volunteer component. Volunteerism is not new to Extension programs just because a name is put on it, other than just volunteer. All Extension programs, such as, Agriculture, 4-H, Home Economics, Expanded Food & Nutrition Program, etc. use volunteers.
Master Gardener is not equivalent to a horticulture degree. It is not a horticulture course you can take in place of a college course. It does allow you to volunteer your time in return for class training to the horticulture agent in charge. If your concept is anything else, then you have grossly misunderstood. If not understood correctly your experience as a MG will be of the tail trying to wag-the-dog! However, be not dishearten nor do not despair!
As a SW LA Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, part of your class training is understanding the proper role of the MG Volunteer and how you relate to the overall horticulture program.
Therefore, experienced and beginning gardeners seeking to enhance their horticulture knowledge, their gardening expertise while gaining self-satisfaction, can do so, through their volunteer efforts as part of the greater Extension horticulture program in SW Louisiana. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to enhance the quality of life for citizens of their community by using the science and art of horticulture. It allows individuals to put into practice what they know and have learned.
How Do I Apply?
Call 337-475-8812 to request an application. There is a deadline for Applications and consideration for the next class. The applications are reviewed, and participants are notified shortly thereafter as to their acceptance or not.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes are held at the LSU AgCenter (7101 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, LA) - Calcasieu Parish usually two days a week in the afternoons from June thru August, Lake Charles, LA.
