The web page for the Purdue Extension-Marion County Master Gardener program is located at: http://IndyMG.org.
Purdue Extension-Marion County Master Gardener volunteers answer gardening-related questions from the public in the Master Gardener AnswerLine Phone Center. Call (317) 275-9292 or e-mail: marioncountymg@gmail.com.
MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM PURPOSE AND IMPACT
Purpose and History
The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program is designed to help educate the public about gardening through the use of trained, certified volunteers. The program helps participants to grow by providing them with training in horticulture principles. They, in turn, agree to share their knowledge and help others grow.
The Master Gardener program was created by the Cooperative Extension Service. The idea originated in Seattle, Washington in 1972 and the first regular training program was conducted by Washington State University during the spring of 1973.
The Master Gardener program is administered in Indiana through the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. The program in Indiana officially began in 1978 with four counties: Allen County (Paul Hughes), Lake County (John Begeman), Marion County (Dick Crum) and Vanderburgh County (Allen Boger).
Dick Crum was the Marion County Master Gardener Coordinator from 1978-1996. Steve Mayer served as Marion County Master Gardener Coordinator from 1997-2020.
Impact
The Master Gardener program has a significant impact on the community.
According to reports submitted by 307 local Extension Master Gardeners, volunteers spent 22,664.5 hours educating others and impacting communities during 2019. The dollar value of time contributed by these Marion County EMG volunteers in 2019 amounted to $563,212.82.
The Impact of EMG in 2020 is summarized in this impact report.
Additional information on the program is found on the state Purdue Extension Master Gardener program website.
MARION COUNTY MASTER GARDENER CLASSES
For information on the next Master Gardener classes in Marion County, CLICK HERE.
If you wish to be placed on a list to receive future class registration information via e-mail when it becomes available, please send an e-mail to: cagrable@purdue.edu.
If you would like to participate in the Master Gardener program and have special needs, please contact Carey Grable at least two weeks prior to the first educational session (317-275-9290).
It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.