Be part of the team to improve the RCMG Projects for Youth
Updated 1/14/2023
There continues to be growing interest in youth projects throughout Ramsey County in recent years. In order to be better able to meet these needs, we are looking to get more Master Gardeners trained in the two primary curricula that we draw from for many of these programs: the Children's Garden in Residence curriculum and the Junior Master Gardener curriculum.
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is offering a training session on the Children's Garden in Residence curriculum for a nominal fee ($15) on February 18 in Minneapolis. (See details below) The International Junior Master Gardener organization is offering on-line training in the Junior Master Gardener curriculum on February 21-22 (registration fee $65, also see details below). In addition, Leaders in RCMG will offer condensed training in the Junior Master Gardener curriculum later this 2023 winter/spring at no charge.
If you have worked with youth or are interested in this fun activity in the future, please give strong consideration to participating in these training sessions. We need more Master Gardener volunteers with this experience to help meet the needs of our communities.
Please note that, if you do not have the funds to register for the online Junior Master Gardener training, the RCMG Board has agreed to fund up to five (5) individuals to participate with the understanding that the individual will participate in the curriculum track of the training and commit to applying what is learned in appropriate Youth Projects this and succeeding years. If you would like to be considered for this financial support, contact Susan Cathey (Youth Projects Co-leader) at 651 983-2117.
What is the Children's Garden in Residence?
The Children's Garden in Residence is a seven-week, hands-on, science-in-the-garden program that is presented in collaboration with youth-serving organizations. The program is aligned with Minnesota state science standards and has been comprehensively evaluated for program engagement and impact. The program utilizes the garden as a living laboratory where elementary school-aged children can learn science and nutrition through hands-on experience in their own garden space.
Tim Kenny, MN State Master Gardener Program Director included more information about the training program in the January newsletter.
Training for Central Region MG volunteers
When: Saturday, February 18, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Urban Research and Outreach Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
Cost: $15 fee
Register online OR call the Registrar at the Landscape Arboretum at 612-301-1210 to register by phone
Deadline to register: Saturday 2/11/2023
What is the Junior Master Gardener Program?
The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.
JMG National Leader Training
When: Tuesday, February 21 & Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Where: Online Training Conference
Cost: $65
Deadline to register: Sunday, 2/12/2023
JMG Train-the-Trainer for RCMG Volunteers
This is separate from the National Training above. This is an in-house Train-the-Trainer event between RCMG volunteers for those who were unable to attend the national conference or just want to learn more about applying JMG concepts in Ramsey County.
This training will happen in March 2023; details are in the works.
Ed Shinbach
RCMG Volunteer
Youth Projects Leader
Susan Cathey
RCMG Volunteer
Youth Projects Leader