Educating young people about gardening and sustainability is the focus of West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service’s free Junior Master Gardener (JMG) training session Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank in Kimball, WV.
“JMG nurtures an interest in gardening and agriculture in kids at a young age,” says WVSU Extension Agent Jenny Totten, who will lead the session. “It provides experience with the fundamentals of gardening and introduces science, nature and even literature using fun, educational activities.”
JMG targets grades K-8 students with a focus on health, nutrition, wildlife education, plant growth and development and natural resources. Young gardeners learn by engaging in hands-on projects and activities.
“We’ve been working to adapt the program down to the preschool level, and we’ve also had success when working with elderly residents in our community gardens,” says Totten. “This program is very versatile. Anyone who isn’t familiar with gardening concepts can learn from it.”
Elementary school teachers, after-school workers, home-school parents, community volunteers, youth groups or others who work with children are encouraged to attend.
Registration is required by contacting Jenny Totten at (304) 356-1171 or jtotten@wvstateu.edu. To learn more about the Junior Master Gardener program, visit www.jmgkids.us.
