CANTON -- The St. Lawrence County Master Gardener Volunteer Program informational session will be held Thursday, Jan. 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Learning Farm, Route 68.

The program is a way to become a certified expert in all things related to home gardening. Each Master Gardener trainee receives hands-on training in horticulture. The program includes plant biology, propagation, soil science and pest control.

After completing classroom and hands-on training you can share your knowledge by conducting garden lectures, demonstrations, school and community gardening projects, telephone diagnostic service and research.

To become a Master Gardener, you must live in St. Lawrence County, be available to attend 9 weeks of classes and make a commitment to providing gardening information and services to the community. Classroom sessions will be held Wednesdays beginning Feb. 6, through April. After class completion all trainees give 60 hours of volunteer time for the first year and 30 hours each year thereafter.

Those interested in the program should file an application no later than Jan. 15. The application can be downloaded at www.cceslc.com. You can also pick up a copy at the Cooperative Extension Service office at 2043B State Highway 68, Canton, or call 379-9192 to request an application by mail.

There is a $175 fee to cover material and program costs.

Pre-registration for the information session can be made by calling 379-9192.