As of October 1, 2009, the Colorado Master Gardener program in El Paso County, Colorado is “on hiatus.” The strapped county budget doesn’t have room to fund the program for the 2009-2010 year. (Other Colorado State University Extension programs have also been affected, but the 4-H program will remain active.) All services of the Master Gardener program will be unavailable, including the Master Gardener Help Desk, Master Gardener email Q & A, training of new Master Gardeners, “Gardening in the Pikes Peak Region” classes, etc.

As of Oct 1, current Colorado Master Gardeners in El Paso County will no longer be identified by the “Master Gardener” title (which can only be used by those in active Colorado Master Gardener programs still supported by Colorado State University Extension) but will be permitted to use the title “Certified Colorado Gardener.” (more…)