Contact: Brad Cochran (304) 541-3301 bcochran2@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Kids will be encouraged to get their hands dirty at West Virginia State next Wednesday. 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 Wednesday, April 3, from 9 a.m. until noon at the WVSU Aerospace Education Laboratory in Institute.
“JMG nurtures an interest in gardening and agriculture in kids at a young age,” said Melissa Stewart, WVSU extension specialist for Agriculture & Natural Resources. “It provides experience with the fundamentals of gardening, and introduces science, nature and even literature using fun, educational activities.”
JMG targets grades K-8 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 I’ve also had success when working with elderly residents in our community gardens,” said Stewart, who also serves as the JMG coordinator for West Virginia. “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 K-5 children are encouraged to attend.
Registration is required by contacting Brad Cochran at (304) 541-3301 or bcochran2@wvstateu.edu. To learn more about the Junior Master Gardener program, visit www.jmgkids.us.
The Aerospace Education Laboratory is located at 213 Douglas Street in Institute.