SKOWHEGAN – University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer its popular Master Gardener program in the winter-spring of 2008.

Participants in the Master Gardener program will receive 15 three-hour training sessions beginning Jan. 26.

Sessions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the Somerset County Extension Office on Norridgewock Avenue.

After successful completion of the training program, each Master Gardener will volunteer 40 hours to a community gardening project. The 2009 program will focus on trees and ornamentals.

The cost of the program is $90 and includes a 500-page reference manual. Scholarships are available. For more information or to request an application, call the Somerset County Extension Office at 474-9622 or 800-287-1495. Applications are due on Jan. 5, 2009.

People with disabilities or those who will need any accommodation to participate in this program should call Kathy Hopkins at 800-287-1495 or 800-287-8957.

All requests will be accepted, but early notice is recommended.