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Specialist Training – Composter
June 22, 2016 @ 8:00 am - June 24, 2016 @ 1:00 pm
$200.00Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training
Class 7, hosted by Bexar County – San Antonio (210) 631-0400
Training Location at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230-4818
June 22, 2016 (Wed) – June 24, 2016 (Fri)
Specialist Program Purpose
To provide training whereby Master Gardeners can obtain specialization in areas that support or expand designed programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in their counties.
Goal of Master Gardener Composter Specialist
In an effort to provide training, the Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training was created as an intensive multi-day training that will empower certified Master Gardeners throughout the State with knowledge and skills required to effectively support and multiply Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service efforts in Earth-Kind® educational programs. The class focuses on composting for the home gardener with insight to commercial compost production and recycling.
Composting has many positive benefits when used in our gardens and landscapes. Most people try what they think is composting but often end up with trash piles. This training is meant to help explain the correct way to home compost as well as the added benefits of its usages in the garden. It will include practical applications of composting for the home gardener and will benefit us and the environment, we all live in.
Master Gardeners who fulfill specified training and volunteer requirements will be recognized as Master Gardener Specialist in the specified field of Composting. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within their local county programs, but provides them the knowledge to support their Master Gardener Educational Outreach Program.
Participation Requirements
To be eligible for the Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training, an applicant must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification or be an employee of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardener application must be approved by their local Master Gardener Program Coordinator or their County Extension Agent.
Master Gardener Composter Specialist
Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training program is designed to train and certify Master Gardeners to become part of a state corps of compost experts and educators. To become a certified Master Gardener Composter Specialist, the Master Gardener is required to attend and complete the Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training to fulfill training requirements and subsequently meet service requirements described in page 2. Training activities during the course will encourage Master Gardeners to complete these service requirements.
Position Description
The Master Gardener Composter Specialist is responsible for increasing awareness and for providing training in composting for home gardeners, youths, adults, and accurate reporting of their hours.
Time Commitment
Master Gardener Composter Specialists will volunteer 20 hours above and beyond their county’s current volunteer obligation. A minimum of 10 hours must be in: (a) Youth and Adult presentations, (b) present information to at least three other groups, or (c) do a composting demonstration for Master Gardeners; a garden club; a neighborhood association or civic organization. You will have one (1) full year (ending date is June 24, 2017) for completion of this requirement. Submit your hours in a timely manner to: David Rodriguez, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio, TX 78230-4818, (210) 631-0400.
Specialist Recognition and Certification
If completion of the Master Gardener Composter Specialist Training service requirements is by April 15, 2017, the Master Gardener will be formally recognized at the annual Texas Master Gardener Conference, at which time, they will be awarded a Master Gardener Specialist Certificate and a compost pin.
Resources Available to Master Gardener Specialist–Composter
- Composting Training
- Educational Materials on Composting
- Direct Access to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Submit Your Application Form with Payment
Application form and payment (payable to Hort Acct: 218310-60003) must be in our office by June 7, 2016 (Tuesday). Cancellation must be made no later than June 7, 2016 (Tuesday); thereafter, a $100 surcharge will be incurred.
Cost
Application fee of $200 per person includes:
- Composting resources including: power point presentations and literature
- Three lunches and one dinner
- Snacks, drinks, and other goodies will be provided each day
Travel
Applicants will need to provide their own travel and hotel arrangements. Dress appropriately for outdoor activities (i.e. hat, close-toed shoes (mandatory), and sunglasses).
For more information, contact David Rodriguez, County Extension Agent-Horticulturist at (210) 631-0400 or dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu.