Graduating Green Thumbs

A record 49 students will be graduating from Nova Scotia Agricultural College's (NSAC) unique Master Gardener Training Program this Thursday, July 7th, 2011 in the Riverview Room of Jenkins Hall beginning at 7 pm.  Graduates from across Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and Alberta, will be in attendance at this year’s ceremony.

Developed in 2004, NSAC's Master Gardener Training program is the only one of its kind in Canada to be offered online. Courses are designed for adult learners and are completed over a six month period.

"Students in this program have had great success sharing their new knowledge and skills.  They’ve volunteered in the school system and have organized community gardens.  It is a great example of how NSAC contributes to the health and well-being of our local communities.”  said Sarah Macdonald, Manager of Continuing Education, NSAC.

The program, offered through Continuing and Distance Education, consists of four web-based, independent study courses and a one week, on-site summer school. NSAC accepts students at three intake dates throughout the year - October, January and March.  This year 29 students will receive a Master Gardener Training Certificate for completion of the online program, while 20 students will receive a Master Gardener Training Program certificate for completion of the additional summer school component held during the month of July.

The summer school component involves one week of hands-on practical training to build on the skills acquired throughout the program in areas such as plant identification, science of gardening, maintaining the garden and art of gardening.

NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.