McKINLEY/CIBOLA COUNTIES, N.M. - The Master Gardener Program was recently launched in Cibola and McKinley counties. The program was started by the New Mexico County Extension Services and is designed to take the gardening information that New Mexico State University releases and transfer it to the public by training volunteers. It is a teaching program that will cover a wide variety of “research-based” topics such as gardening, landscaping, tree care, plant treatment, pest management, et cetera, according to Cibola County Master Gardener Roy Archibald,
Kathy Landers, Extension Agent for McKinley County, acknowledged that the inspiration for launching the program in the two counties was based on Archibald’s dedication and his motivation to bring a program such as this to rural areas.
“The Master Gardener Program is a program that usually is only available in large cities, metropolitan areas,” commented Archibald.
“It’s really unusual to have a Master Gardener Program in a small, rural community… It does happen but this is kind of in a small way historical for Cibola County. This is a step up to something better.”
Archibald and Landers, along with Cibola County Extension Agent Chase Elkins, talked about how the goal of the program is to spread gardening knowledge, but it will also open myriad opportunities for the communities that participate in the newly announced initiative. One example is that this program could be the start of possible businesses and projects for those who have an interest in growing garden food or entering the farmers market industry. Growth in this way could attract people to the area and perhaps integrate a whole new range of expertise into the community.
Furthermore, the program could enhance the already existing community interest in gardening. The local gardening and horticulture experts reported a spike in questions about gardening during the past few months. During the pandemic, many people began gardening and therefore are asking more questions. The experts’ hopes for the program are that the training of volunteers to become certified Master Gardeners will ultimately have a domino effect of knowledge, informing the public while also offering a positive activity for area residents.
“Gardening enables a person to control their destiny somewhat, depending on how involved you get. You can grow your own food, you can sell your flowers, you can do all these things. It’s enabling… it’s a good, positive thing,” explained Archibald.
Elkins agreed, emphasizing that the possibilities range from “economic development” to simply offering a “stress-reliever.”
Anyone can apply to be a part of the program by visiting the NMSU Master Gardener page website, https://mastergardeners.nmsu.edu/. Applications for the 2021 Program Year are being accepted through February 22, but Landers wanted to also reassure the public that it is not a strict deadline. Some further important details about the program include that the classes will be taught online, the cost of certification is $150, and the Master Gardener certification requires a minimum of about 40 hours, including 10 education hours and 30 community service hours.
The local experts are excited about what the Master Gardener Program can bring to Cibola and McKinley counties and hope to receive lots of applications from interested community members.
For more information, the public can contact Chase Elkins at Cibola County Extension, 505-287-9266, or Kathy Landers at McKinley County Extension, 505-863-3432.