Clubs and Organizations Section

Training sessions for the Smith County Master Gardener program have been announced by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Sessions for the program, which prepares participants for community volunteer service supporting extension and horticultural programs, are scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 8 through March 19 at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office, 1517 W. Front St., room 116 in Tyler.

Participants must be residents of Smith County with gardening experience who would like to gain more in-depth knowledge about the culture of plants and enjoy sharing this knowledge with others in the community.

Those interested must fill out an application, which is available from the extension office or on the Web site, EastTexasGardening.tamu.edu.

Deadline for applications is Dec. 15.

The fee is $150, which includes the Texas Master Gardener Handbook, other references and lab and other miscellaneous costs. An orientation meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Smith County Extension office, room 116. No registration is required. For more information, call 903-590-2980.