PHOTO BY GINNY COUNSIL In training, Class of 2026 members dissected a variety of fruit and flowers in the botany workshop. They are, from left, Grace LeGars, Carrie Bruning and Jessica Hefferan.

PHOTO BY GINNY COUNSIL
In training, the Class of 2026 members Debbie Dawes and Sarah Nestor are pictured in the healthy soil workshop.

MILL HALL — Do you enjoy gardening, want to deepen your horticultural knowledge, and have a passion for sharing what you learn with others? If so, consider beginning your journey to become a Penn State Extension Certified Master Gardener.

Penn State Extension in Clinton County is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Master Gardener Program. This volunteer training program is designed for motivated home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and give back to their community through education and service.

Program Mission

The mission of the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program is to support Penn State Extension by delivering research-based information to the public on best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship.

Training Details

Training for new Master Gardeners will take place from October 2026 through March 2027. Participants will receive instruction in topics such as:

— Basic botany

— Soil science

— Plant propagation

— Integrated pest management

— Pruning techniques

The program follows a hybrid format, combining online classes with in-person workshops and hands-on activities. Participants will need reliable internet access and should be comfortable using the Zoom platform; guidance will be provided for those new to virtual learning.

Volunteer

Commitment

After completing 40 hours of training, participants agree to contribute 50 hours of volunteer service during their first year. In subsequent years, maintaining certification requires:

— 20 hours of volunteer service

— 10 hours of continuing education

Master Gardeners in Clinton County support the community through a variety of outreach efforts, including:

— Garden hotline assistance

— Answering horticulture questions

— Poison prevention education

— Clinton County Fair participation

— Youth and senior programming

— Demonstration gardens

— Seed to Supper program

— Community presentations and workshops

Program Fee

The program fee is $275, which includes training, the Master Gardener manual, and materials for hands-on learning.

Learn More: Open House Events

To learn more about the program, prospective applicants are invited to attend one of three Open Houses at the Penn State Extension office in Mill Hall, 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall.

The open houses are June 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., July 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

For questions, please contact Master Gardener Coordinator, Ginny Counsil, at 570-858-0192 or email at vlc125@psu.edu

To apply, complete the application using the following link: https://pennstate.yul1.qualtrics.com/survey-builder/SV_22ZFQWcLMDfUbe6/edit

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to utilize the application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.