Astoria — Now is the time to register for the OSU Clatsop County Extension Service Master Gardener Program, one of the most popular volunteer programs in Oregon. Classes will be held at Clatsop Community College main campus on Wednesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 6 and ending March 18.

Volunteers receive over 60 hours of intensive gardening education in exchange for 60 hours of volunteer time. The cost is $75 and includes the class handbook.

The master gardener curriculum provides volunteers with information and references on subjects such as botany, soil management, pruning techniques, integrated pest management and more. OSU Extension faculty, veteran master gardeners and experts in their respective fields will teach the classes.

Students of all ages and abilities, beginners and experienced gardeners alike, are welcomed to participate in the program.

Volunteering is a fun way to spend time working on projects such as the OSU Extension master gardener information line, Astoria Sunday Market, clinics and hands-on gardening in the demonstration garden with veteran master gardeners. The remainder of community service may be spent on different projects as diverse as helping to develop and maintain an animal-friendly garden project at the local animal shelter, teaching high school students the basics of gardening and the annual Spring into Gardening seminar.

If you like to have fun exploring gardening and would benefit from learning more about sustainable gardening methods, apply to the Extension office by Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Applications are available online at www.extension.oregonstate.edu/clatsop/gardening/master-gardener-classes-events, at the Clatsop County Extension office located at 2001 Marine Drive, room 210, or by calling 503-325-8573.

Master Gardener Program

8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays

Jan. 6 to March 18

Applications due Dec. 17

Clatsop County Extension

2001 Marine Drive, Room 210 Astoria

503-325-8573

$75