Denver Master Gardener Apprentice Volunteer Option:

 

Given the uncertainties of in person volunteer opportunities in 2021, we will only be able to accept a very small number of people to our CO Master Gardener Apprentice Volunteer Program in the winter of 2021 here in Denver.   We want this to be a positive experience for everyone, so we want to be upfront with individuals that we are anticipating that 2021 will not be a normal Denver Master Gardener Volunteer Apprentice year.  

  The CO Master Gardener application is online, please see the following information before applying: 

The deadline for applying was Friday, October 9th, however the application is still online so if you are interested and can apply ASAP, please do so before it is taken off online.

  
This is an online application and your responses will be sent to your local county for review and follow-up. Before completing this form, please be sure you've read information about our volunteer program and training requirements to ensure this is a good fit for you. That information can be found here: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/about/become-a-colorado-master-gardener-2/ 

 
This application will take 30-60 minutes to complete. There are 11 sections in total. Most are simple and straightforward requiring only your thoughts and basic information. As a heads up, Section 7 requires three personal references including names and email addresses.
 
Please do NOT use the browser back button. Rather utilize the navigation arrows within the application to advance or go back. Information cannot be saved, so please plan to complete your application in one sitting. Thank you!!

Here is the link for the 2021 Denver Master Gardener Apprentice Volunteer application: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/about/become-a-colorado-master-gardener-2/colorado-master-gardener-program-application-information/ 

 
 
CO Master Gardener classes here on the Front Range are held every online January-April. We will also have local county meetings online throughout those months. After completion of the classes in April, volunteers volunteer with us 

for 50 hours at community events and programs, in gardens and other activities to be determined. Since Spring of 2020, we been developing and executing more and more programs virtually (answering emails, Ask a Master Gardener Help Desk via Zoom, etc) per COVD restrictions. We do look for flexibility in schedules, as some activities occur during the day, Monday-Friday and there are sometimes not as many volunteer activities during the weekends and evenings.   

 All volunteer opportunities must be completed in Denver County from April-October of 2021. There is a 2 year Apprentice Option that involves 60 hours and must be completed by October 2022.  

Our Denver CO Master Gardener Program is supported by county tax dollars; priority is given to Denver County residents. I can put you in touch with your local county CO Master Gardener Program if you live outside of Denver County.
 
We do look for the following when selecting volunteers:. 

• You will need an email address and reliable, high-speed internet to successfully participate in our online program. 
•  Interest in volunteer work 
•  Availability for volunteer work 
•  People skills (i.e., ability to assist Extension in home horticulture educational efforts) 
•  Gardening experience 

 
Here is a link to our state CO Master Gardener website, it will explain more of the details: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/about/become-a-colorado-master-gardener-2/ 

ADDITIONALLY---- 

We are also offering a certifying FULL COURSE option and multiple SHORT COURSE options to meet anyone’s needs and schedule. These courses do not have any volunteer components.  

2021 FULL COURSE ‘GREEN SCHOOL’ (Colorado Certified Gardener) This is the same curriculum as the CO Apprentice Volunteer option minus the volunteering time.  

Please see this link for more information: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/certified-colorado-gardener/ 

 Upon completion of this option, you may apply to become a Colorado Master Gardener within three (3) years of their completed training without having to re-take the core training program. At this time, we are planning to hold a 2022 Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice Volunteer class.  

The cost of this training is $530 and classes start in January of 2021.  

• See Full Course Green School Schedule here: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2020/09/2021-CGC-Training-schedule_Final.pdf 
• Access to 14 classes; 12 are self-paced online, 2 are live webinars. 
• Weekly Class Reviews (live webinars) with CSU subject matter experts. 
• To obtain certification, trainees must complete 7 online classes and attend (or watch the recording) of 2 live classes; attend 80% of weekly class review sessions; and pass the comprehensive final (open-book, research encouraged) with a 70% or better. 
• You’ll have access to the online courses for one year. 
  
  
  
   
  
  2021 SHORT COURSES:  
  
• Short courses are self-paced, online courses with the exception of Colorado Gardening Challenges and Plant Pathology which occur as live (also recorded) classes on a set date/time. Click on each short course above to see the schedule for details. There are no weekly class reviews as offered with the Full Course registration and these classes cannot count towards the Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice Program.   
  

• $195/course (5 classes in each short course); Classes begin January 2021.  

• Colorado Gardening Foundations: Soils, Entomology, Tree Care & Planting, Colorado Gardening Challenges, Irrigation 
• Landscape Management Basics: Soils, Lawn Care, Weed Management, Irrigation, Tree Care & Planting 
• Plant Diagnostics: Soils, Botany, Integrated Pest Management & Plant Diagnosis, Entomology, Plant Pathology 
  
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  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.