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2016 Master Gardener College


Sponsoring Organization: MSU

Date: June 17-18

Start Time: Friday, June 17 7:30 am  

End Time: Saturday, June 18 5:00 pm

Location : Prince Conference Center at Calvin College, 1800 East Beltline SE, Grand Rapids

Description of the Event: The Prince Conference Center on East Beltline in Grand Rapids, Michigan will once again be home base for our two-day event, June 17-18, 2016. The theme for the event is "Dig It! Plant It! Grow It!"

What is on the agenda, you ask? Oh my, it's just like the garden shop or bookstore — so many great choices! 

June 17 offers a selection of all-day bus tours, each with a different focus. Those not taking a bus tour can choose from afternoon workshops at the Prince Center. Everyone comes back together for a stop at the MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden (the GIG) to cruise the annual plant sale and visit the incredible, plant-packed gardens. The party will then move back to the Prince Center, where folks can relax, socialize, have dinner and attend the Annual Michigan Master Gardener Association's membership meeting.

Bright and early, June 18 will begin with our keynote speaker, who will get our juices going in preparation for an education-filled day. You will have an opportunity to select your preferred breakout sessions from a wide variety of topics ranging from bees to water and lots in between. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the Green Marketplace will be open for shopping—the next best thing to digging, planting and growing! Everyone can always use another great book, gloves, pruners/nippers, shirts, lotion, soap, garden art, plants (of course) and lots, lots more.

So, mark your calendar now, then watch for updates and begin to make those tough decisions—-which bus tour, what breakout sessions, how many plants can I cram in the car for the trip home? And don't forget, contact your recertified MSU Extension Master Gardener friends from throughout the state to get them on-board so we can all connect at the conference to Dig It! Plant It! Grow It!

Participants will get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the rich and diverse west Michigan horticultural industry. From the heart of one of Michigan's best fruit regions to high-tech greenhouses participants will have the rare opportunity to see it all. 

Educational tours will be held on Friday, June 17 and seminars will held on be Saturday, June 18.

Meet fellow Master Gardener volunteers and gain new gardening knowledge. 

For more information, visit the Master Gardener College website.

Education Credit Hours:  Friday tour=8 hours; Friday workshop=4 hours; Saturday sessions=8.5 hours

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