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CSU Extension Celebrates 50 years of its Colorado Master Gardener Program as applications open Aug. 1
Calling all those who want to make a difference in their communities by volunteering! This year, the well-known Colorado Master Gardener Program turns 50 – marking five decades of equipping volunteer gardening experts to answer all manner of questions about growing trees, lawns, shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables in this semiarid state.
As a Colorado State University program fulfilling its land-grant mandate, CSU Extension cultivates local gardening experts with 60 hours of horticulture training, further preparing volunteers through apprenticeships, then assigning certified Master Gardeners to Extension offices in their home counties.
Then, volunteers field questions from other local gardeners and participate in a wide array of community gardening activities.
In 2024, these gardening educators – known as Colorado Master Gardeners (CMG) – had direct contact with 85,420 people through email and telephone calls, information booths, community gardens, garden tours and workshops held across the state, among other activities. And, in responding to questions, they relied on the largest Master Gardener resource library at any university in the Rocky Mountain region.
For many, it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community. As one Master Gardener stated: “I love plants and nature, and I love being of service to others. Being a CMG allows me to help the plants and people around me thrive, which gives me both a sense of purpose and joy.”
Interested in becoming a Colorado Master Gardener? The application will be available online only, starting on Aug. 1 at ColoradoMasterGardener.org. (The application link will be found in the image sliders on the homepage and by clicking the “Become a Master Gardener” tab in the top menu.) For a direct link to the application, which opens Aug. 1 and will remain open until Sept. 2, 2025, visit: https://col.st/vTpT1. Questions? Email csuextension@broomfield.org.
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