State Advanced Training

State Master Gardener Advanced Training Program Annual Report 2007

The State Advanced Training Program trained 783 people in 2007 as was coordinated by Robin Hessey.

201 were trained In Advanced Training Level II classes where Master Gardeners had an opportunity to learn in-depth about many important subjects. They had opportunities to learn about Weeds and how to control them, the basics of plant taxonomy, specifics about 45 Evergreen Trees and Shrubs and 45 Shade Trees, how to diagnose plant problems in "Ask a MG" Practicum and Plant Diseases "Train the Trainer", and how to become compost experts in the Master Composter Class. 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.

Ask an MG and Plant Diseases, Master composter

Weed ID and Control- __ students completed __ 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- __ total students received 9 hours of training. Course was taught in X different locations by X 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.
Master Composter Classes
Plant Disease "Train the Trainer" classes
"Ask an MG" Practicum

111 were trained in a single day continuing education work shops where MG's had the chance to deepen their knowledge about Organic Vegetables, Container Vegetable Gardening, and Grant Writing.

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

471 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: 04/18/2008