State Advanced Training

State Master Gardener Advanced Training Program Annual Report 2005

The State Advanced Training Program trained 720 people in 2005.

174 were trained In Advanced Training Level II classes where Master Gardeners had an opportunity to learn in-depth about Weeds and how to control them, the basics of plant taxonomy, specifics about 45 Flowering Shrubs and 45 Ornamental Trees and Vines as well as the Ecology of Native Plants. These courses were designed to give Master Gardeners the in-depth knowledge they need to better understand their environment and how to advise the public. They are all certificate classes and are multi-part and multi-day.

Weed ID and Control- 18 students completed 25 hours of study in Central Maryland. They can now not only recognize their weeds, but know the most effective and least toxic way to eliminate or control them. 100% of class rated this class a 4 or 5 (5 being the highest) and learned an average of 330% more weeds than they previously knew.
Plant ID/Taxonomy- 80 total students received 9 hours of training. Course was taught in 4 different locations by 3 instructors. Students now know how to identify woody plants in the landscape using dichotomous keys. Percent of students who rated this class a 4 or 5 (5 being the highest) were:
- Montgomery Co. 94%
- Southern MD- 95%
- Harford Co.- 89%
- Baltimore City- 100%
Landscape Horticulture- 200 Common Landscape Plants of MD- 45 total students trained in 2 different 9-hr courses taught in 2 different locations. 89% rated these classes with a 4 or 5 (5 being the highest) and they averaged a 92% increase in plant recognition.
- Flowering Shrubs- Carroll Co.
- Ornamental Trees and Vines- P.G. Co.
Ecology of Maryland Native Plants- 31 students completed 15 hours of study at one location in Queen Anne’s Co. Students now understand the importance of native plants, the functional basics of ecology, the relationship of soils to plants, and how important it is to match the location conditions with a plants needs. 82% rated this class with a 4 or 5 (5 being the highest).

189 were trained in a single day continuing education work shops where MG's had the chance to deepen their knowledge about Organic Vegetables, Sudden Oak Death/First Detector, and Grant Writing.

First Detector/Sudden Oak Death- 123 trained in 4-hour workshops offered at 6 locations. All of the 123 people who took the SOD/First Detector training, are now able to become part of the first line of defense against exotic or emerging plant pests. Diligent monitoring and accurate information by the National Plant Diagnostic Network First Detectors produces data that epidemiologists can use to track the extent of the pest across a state or region. 85% rated this class with a 4 or 5 (out of 5).<>
- <>Montgomery
- <>Baltimore County
- Southern MD
- Queen Anne’s
- Anne Arundel
- Howard
Organic Vegetable Gardening- 36 trained in 3 different single-day workshops at 3 different locations (100% gave this class a rating of 4 or 5 (5 being the highest).
- Prince George’s (Accokeek)
- St. Mary’s Co.
- Howard
Grant Writing- 30 total students were trained in 2 different locations, for 6 hours. Students learned where to look for money and the basics of writing up a grant proposal that fit the needs of the grantor.
- Carroll
- Anne Arundel

357 were trained at Annual Training Day- MG’s received 6 hours of training during a 9-hr event comprised of a key note speaker, 30 workshops, a trade show, breakfast and lunch. 95% rated this day with a 4 or 5 (5 being the best).

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 02/22/2007