The Extension Office Junior Master Gardner Program is growing in Chattooga County.

In November, Lyerly and Menlo Elementary third graders had the opportunity to create bird seed feeders that they took home with them during the Thanksgiving holiday. They worked with Master Garnder Gwen Fisher. She taught them about different types of seeds, from cranberries to peas, to marigolds and beans. Each student created their own mixture of colorful seeds to adorn a pinecone, which they covered with suet to take home. Fisher visits the Menlo and Lyerly third graders once a month.

Trion Elementary has also welcomed a  Master Gardner volunteer into their fifth grade science classroom.  In November Carla Harward taught Mr. Chance's fifth graders how bulbs work.  The class then planted more than 50 daffodil bulbs that will be enjoyed in the spring.  The planted daffodils will also be used in lessons later in the year.  Harward will be visiting the fifth graders once a month.

The Junior Master Gardner Program joins youth with community volunteers who weave performance standards and core curriculum lessons into engaging, hands-on gardening experiences.  The Master Gardeners of Chattooga County are supported by the Chattooga County Cooperative Extension. If  you're interested in becoming a part of the Junior Master Gardner Program, or in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744 or email www.ugaextension.com/chattooga.