Advanced Training Program Purpose and information:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® program is designed to provide advanced training and resources to Master Gardeners and certify them to be part of a state corps of Earth-Kind® volunteers and educators.
To become a certified Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind®, Master Gardeners are required to attend the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® training to fulfill training requirements and subsequently meet service requirements described below. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within her/his local county programs.
Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® will be comprised of high-quality training combined with hands-on experience in the principles and practices of Earth-Kind®, environmental site selection; soil preparation; plant selection; planting and maintenance; and pest and disease management, innovative landscape design, plus introduction to new and novel plants.
Participation requirements:
To be eligible for the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind®, an individual must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification, or be an employee of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardener applicants must be approved by their local County Extension Agent.
Position Description and Service Requirements:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® is charged to increase awareness, provide training in Earth-Kind® and facilitate implementation of Earth-Kind® practices in their counties. A Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® is required to serve a minimum of one year.
Service requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Attending the Earth-Kind® advanced training
• Volunteering 20 hours above and beyond the county’s current volunteer obligation.
• Serving as a local Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® resource in the Extension program for a minimum of one year
• Assisting in educating Master Gardeners, interns, and the public in Earth-Kind® practices
• Increasing client awareness of Earth-Kind® practices through presentations, training, and mass media efforts (i.e. radio, newspaper, social media, television, and newsletters)
• Submitting a completed Earth-Kind® Advanced Training Volunteer Report Form as directed
• Optional: submit TMGA reimbursement paperwork
Advanced Training recognition and certification:
Upon completion of the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind® service requirements, the Master Gardener will be awarded a Master Gardener Advanced Training certificate and lapel pin.
Resources available to the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Earth-Kind®:
• Earth-Kind® advanced training and networking with presenters
• Educational materials on Earth-Kind®
• Direct access to the Texas A&M Extension Services County Extension Agent – Horticulture and program specialist
