PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 3, 2021)-Youth ages 8-11 can brush off their gardening trowels and get ready for some fun and learning by becoming a Junior Master Gardener through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s 4-H STEM program.  Virtual classes will held bi-weekly beginning March 30 on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m.

Participants can earn 4-H Junior Master Gardener Level One Certification by completing the educational series.  Topics cover soil health, water quality, ecology, environmental horticulture, insects, diseases and plant growth. Youth will also explore career options and put their new knowledge to use on a community service project as a group.

“We hope to nurture youth’s love of gardening while gaining an appreciation of the environment,” said Lisa Murphy, a senior agent associate for Worcester County with UMES Extension 4-H STEM and the Maryland State Coordinator for the Junior Master Gardener program.  “Children can see a butterfly grow from egg to maturity, watch as soil microbes make electricity and learn how you can “suck a bug” to investigate while keeping you and the bug safe.”

The classes take place April 13, 27; May 11, 25; June 8, 22; and July 6 and are $15 for the complete program.

Register on or before March 19 at umesextensionjmg.eventbrite.com.  For more information, financial assistance or special accommodations, contact Murphy at lbmurphy@umes.edu or by calling 443-614-6074.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension programs are open to all without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.

Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, School of Agricultural & Natural Sciences, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.