The Sampson County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) program is a collaboration between the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Service and gardening volunteers from all areas of Sampson County. This program can help you learn to garden more successfully, learn about the science of plants, and equip you to share your knowledge, and the knowledge of NC Cooperative Extension, with other gardeners and homeowners through volunteer work.

The Sampson County EMGV’s is comprised of 22 volunteers that have contributed over 1,300 hours of volunteer work and received over 350 hours of educational training this year. Projects that are currently underway include Clinton City and Sampson County school system raised bed gardening, demonstration gardens, a community garden, herb gardening, information clinics, plant sales, and an annual herb symposium.

There will be a 14 week training program conducted Jan. 26 – April 2017. Classes are once a week, on Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Sampson County Extension Office, 55 Agriculture Place, Clinton. The costs to take the course is $125, which includes manuals, name tags, state and local registration fees, and travel to off-site trainings. Once you successfully complete the training program and pass the final exam, you will begin a 40 hour volunteer internship. During your internship, you will learn even more about plants and have the opportunity to attend advanced trainings. If you are interested in becoming a more successful gardener, learning more about plants, and enjoy helping others, this is the volunteer program for you!

Seating is limited for this program and applications are currently being accepted. Applications are due by Dec. 2, 2016 and can be delivered in person to the Sampson County Extension Office, mailed to 55 Agriculture Place, Clinton NC 28328, or sent by email as an attachment to [email protected]. Applicants are subject to an informal interview and may be placed on a waiting list due to seating limitations.

By Brad Hardison

Extension agent

Brad Hardison is an Agricultural Extension Agent specializing in horticulture. Contact him by calling the Sampson County Extension Center at 910-592-7161 or by emailing [email protected].