The Mahaska County Master Gardeners recently elevated three interns to certification as Iowa Master Gardeners: Sara Aguilar, Deb Draper, and Syndey Miller. They took over 40 hours of instruction in the Master Gardener training and recently completed the 40 hour volunteer service requirement and were presented with certificate and permanent name badge.
Iowa Master Gardener is a job title, describing a volunteer who has been trained to educate the public about horticulture and gardening. To achieve Master Gardener Certification, candidates complete 40 hours of educational training and 40 hours of volunteer time in their inaugural year. In ensuing years, a Master Gardener must complete 20 hours of volunteer time plus 10 hours of approved advanced training, to maintain their certification.
Iowa Master Gardener training switched to online in 2020 and continues to be hybrid (meaning both online and in person). Persons interested in the Master Gardener Program can learn more by contacting Suzette Striegel at the Mahaska County Extension office by email striegel@iastate.edu, phone 641-673-5841or by visiting the website Garden Academy | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener . Winter 2026 training registration is due January 30.
Pictured: Syndey Miller & Deb Draper
