Program Teaches Youth Gardening and Life Skills

credit: Salemart

The Junior Master Gardener Program in Gaylord provides an opportunity for children in the area to experience hands-on learning, while gaining knowledge and skills that directly relate to environment, science and nutrition.

Jeanne Freymuth, Master Gardener Program coordinator with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, told Petoskey News that "it is important for young people to know about our earth and how they can meet their nutritional needs through gardening."

According to Freymouth, as a 4-H Club, the group came together when MSU Extension and the Alpine Master Gardener Association collaborated with the Otsego Conservation District to teach local students about gardening starting from seed and following it through to harvest at the conservation district's demonstration gardens.

The program's 4-H Club members learn various aspects of horticulture, including basic instruction in plant science, soil, water, insects, diseases, propagation, composting and volunteering through fun hands-on learning experiences, experiments, field trips and tours, as well as county fair exhibits.

Freymouth invites youth that are interested in gardening and the environment to join the program. Read the Entire Article