UMES preparing for spring Junior Master Gardener program for kids

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.-  The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is preparing for a spring youth program that will hopefully inspire kids to learn more about the environment.

The Junior Master Gardener Program is a part of the UMES Extension 4-H STEM program.

During this program, children will learn about service learning, leadership, gardening, and plant development through virtual classes.

We are told last year they planned to host this program but they were not able to move forward with it due to COVID-19.

So, they are excited to offer it this year and are hopeful they will be able to do in-person projects safely.

“We are redefining junior master gardening program right now because of the pandemic and the situation that we are in but hopefully this summer we are able to do some service learning projects,” Lisa Murphy, UMES Extension 4-H STEM, said.

We are told the the program begins March 30th and virtual classes will be held bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Murphy said in the beginning when they do virtual classes they want to send out materials for activities, so the kids can still have that hands-on experience.