Dakota County Junior Master Gardener Program Finds New Home at Eagan YMCA

The Eagan YMCA's community garden, founded last year, will soon be home to the Dakota County Master Gardeners' Junior Master Gardener program.

The Junior Master Gardener Program, open to youth ages 8-13, provides exposure to various plants, the environment and the joy of community service. The program also promotes healthy eating, a connection to nature, and life and science skills, according to a news release issued by the Eagan YMCA.

In the past year, the master gardener program lost its established home at the UMore Park property in Rosemount, when a portion of the area was opened to gravel mining. But the junior gardener program's new home will be mutually beneficial to both programs, according to YMCA officials.

“The goals of the Junior Master Gardener program align with the mission of the Y in promoting healthy living and fighting childhood obesity,” Eagan YMCA Executive Director Mike Lavin said in a statement. “It is a great opportunity for kids in Dakota County to learn about gardening from the experts, and experience the excitement of harvesting and eating the vegetables they grew."

The YMCA broke ground on the garden last year, and has since expanded the project to 900 square feet. The community garden, managed by volunteers, provides produce for the local food shelf.

Registration for the Junior Master Gardner Program at the YMCA can be done online at ymcatwincities.org or in person at the Eagan facility. The program will run from June 11 to August 27. For more information contact Karen Roberts at  at (651) 683-4717 or karen.roberts@ymcatwincities.org