Science Gets Interesting with Junior Master Gardener Program

Auburn, March 26, 2004 --- Science will be a little more interesting in many Alabama schools this spring 
with help from Alabama 4-H, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and a generous donation from 
the Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc.
	
Fifteen Junior Master Gardener training programs will be offered this spring across the state.  
	
The JMG program is a 4-H youth gardening program created by the Texas 
Cooperative Extension Service.  Modeled after the adult Master Gardener Program, JMG integrates a 
variety of science-related skills into a fun, hands-on elementary curriculum.
	
“The 15 spring workshops are being determined based on grant applications submitted by teachers and 
volunteers,” said Shane Harris, an Extension agent in Tallapoosa County, who is serving as the 
coordinator for the program. Teacher training was held in the fall and more than 170 school teachers and 
youth leaders participated.

	Workshops are currently set for the following counties: 
	Conecuh/Butler (March 30)
	Houston (April 16)
	Franklin (April 21)
	Jefferson  (April 24)
	Randolph/Clay (April 29) 
	Monroe/Clarke/Wilcox (May 6)
	
Alabama Farmers Cooperative Inc. and its division Bonnie Plant Farms donated more than $38,000 to 
fund the fall teacher training and the spring workshops.
       
“Alabama Farmers Cooperative and Bonnie Plant Farm look forward to joining with the Extension System 
and Alabama 4-H in implementing the Junior Master Gardener program in Alabama,” said Tommy Paulk, 
president and CEO of Alabama Farmers Cooperative Inc. 
       
“Through the literature and supplies that will be provided through this grant, the youth of Alabama will be 
afforded hands-on experiences that will develop an appreciation for gardening, community involvement 
and responsibility toward the environment,” Paulk added.
	
The Junior Master Gardener program contains independent study activities and group activities.  
	
“We are targeting classroom teachers for the spring workshops because the curriculum fits in well with 
their classroom curriculum,” Harris said.
	
The program’s curriculum matches the third-grade curriculum almost perfectly, Harris said, but can be 
geared to fourth and fifth grades, as well. Teachers, parents, community leaders, 4-H volunteers and 
Master Gardeners can all work together to implement the program.
       
The curriculum is made up of eight chapters including plant growth and development, soils and water, 
ecology and environmental horticulture, insects and diseases, landscape horticulture, fruits and nuts, 
vegetables and herbs and life skills/career exploration. 

The program offers horticultural and environmental science education and leadership and life skill 
development through fun, creative activities. It utilizes schools, volunteers, Cooperative Extension 
networks and other youth organizations to educate young gardeners. In addition, the Junior Master 
Gardener program incorporates service learning and volunteerism, enabling young people to make 
positive contributions to their homes, communities and country.
	
Harris said the JMG program has had phenomenal results nationwide. Evaluations of the program have 
found that it really enhances learning in the classroom.  Children do better in school, they enjoy learning 
more and their parents are more involved.  

SOURCE:  Shane Harris, Extension Agent, Tallapoosa County and Coordinator of Junior Master 
Gardener Program, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (256) 825-1050.