Idaho Master Gardener Program

Each year, Idaho gardeners by the hundreds make a very special commitment to their neighbors, communities and environment. They agree to volunteer at least 30 hours sharing knowledge of something they love — gardening.

In return, Idaho Master Gardeners get 30 or more hours of intensive, fast-paced training from University of Idaho Extension.

As an Idaho Master Gardener, you might:

• Answer horticultural questions
• Teach classes for organizations and schools
• Promote environmental responsibility
• Assist with city, county and state beautification projects
• Help manage an informational booth at county fairs

Program Availability

Valley County currently offers three horticulture programs:

• Victory Garden Series
• Idaho Master Gardeners
• Advanced Idaho Master Gardeners

The programs offered rotate on an annual basis. Contact UI Extension, Valley County to learn more.

You must complete the Master Gardener class before you can become an Advanced Master Gardener program. If registrations are not filled by current Master Gardeners, the class will be advertised for general public participation for a small fee.

A minimum of 15 participants is required in order for the class to proceed.

Valley and Adams Counties

The Extension educator in the Valley County office serves as an Idaho Master Gardener coordinator for the area.

The Idaho Master Gardener group includes participants from Valley and Adams counties. Most of the Adams County participants come from the Meadows Valley area.

The service projects and volunteer hours are not required to take place in one county over the other.

Classes and Volunteer Hours

Each program contains 30 hours of classroom work in plant science and 30 hours of hands-on community service in horticulture. Additionally, exams will be given based on class material.

Subjects include:

• Lawn and tree care
• Pesticide safety
• Insects and disease
• Weed identification and control
• Organic gardening
• Soil and water management
• Plant propagation

Idaho Master Gardeners are also involved in providing educational programs and service projects for their community.

Dawn Moudy Master Gardener Service Scholarship

Available annually. Please call the extension office for details.

Dawn Moudy was an active Valley/Adams County Master Gardener and was a strong leader for multiple community efforts. The Master Gardener Scholarship is in recognition of her efforts.

Scholarship applicants must write a one-page essay describing their interest in the Master Gardener program and their plan for volunteer service in Valley or Adams County. The recipient of this award will volunteer six to 10 hours assisting with pre- and post-program needs throughout the course.

Application deadline: Jan. 1.

About Dawn Moudy

Dawn Moudy was raised in McCall, married Ken Moudy and had two children, Tracey and Clint. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in her 50s and passed away at age 62. She will be missed by our whole community.

Dawn was active in many activities and programs in the Valley County area. She belonged to the Long Valley Garden Club, serving as a past president, provided strong leadership for the local Master Gardener program and was in charge of the Roseberry Ice Cream Social.

Dawn was very knowledgeable about plants and gardening. She loved to share what she knew with those around her. That is why the Valley/Adams Master Gardeners choose to honor her through this scholarship fund.

She had two acres of gardens in zones 5 and 6. She was a well versed naturalist and excellent botanist for the region, referencing plants by both their scientific and common names. Thank you, Dawn Moudy, for your contribution to the UI Extension Master Gardener Program. May your passion for learning, teaching and leadership be carried on through this scholarship.

Requirements

To apply for the Idaho Master Gardener Program, you should:

• Have an interest in and some knowledge of basic gardening, horticulture and plant-related topics
• Be able to communicate effectively with the public
• Be available for 30 hours of class work and 30 hours of volunteer work

If participants cannot complete the required 30 hours of service associated with the course, we ask for a $100 contribution to the local Master Gardener group for service projects throughout Valley and Adams counties.

Apply

To learn more, please contact the UI Extension, Valley County office at 208-382-7190 or email valley@uidaho.edu.