PENN STATE

The Penn State Extension Master Gardener program in Lehigh and Northampton Counties will begin training a new class of volunteers this fall.

The program provides 40 hours of horticultural training for citizens who have an interest in gardening, a willingness to learn more and a strong desire to make a difference by volunteering in the community.

The new training program will begin 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 and continue on subsequent Thursdays through March 2019.

Classes will be held at the Penn State Lehigh Valley Campus, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley.

After training, volunteers are able to engage in a number of projects in the Lehigh Valley to promote garden-based education for adults and children.

Examples of gardening projects and programs include designing and installing demonstration pollinator gardens, working in community gardens, giving garden topic talks; manning the Master Gardener booth at various venues and organizing educational workshops that address such topics as composting, invasive plants and vegetable gardening.

Those interested in this volunteer program should call 610-391-9840 to receive an application packet.