Escanaba — Fall is here and the gardening season may be wrapping up, but a number of Delta, Dickinson, Menominee and Schoolcraft residents are still “thinking” gardening by participating in the Michigan Extension Master Gardener class.

Learning about various gardening topics, experiencing local horticulture via field trips, and engaging in hands-on workshops, these students from multiple generations are sharing their gardening passion and interests.

The class meets from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern time Tuesdays at Bay College main campus. Optional field trips meet before the classes begin. Visited locations included guided tours of the Michigan State University Biomass Research Center, Upper Peninsula’s Research and Extension Center’s North Farm, Bay College’s biology greenhouse, the Escanaba Community Garden, Chenier’s Greenhouse, and the Serenity Garden.

Participants have learned about soils, water quality, plant science, integrated pest management, lawns, woody ornamentals, and annuals and perennials as they relate to gardening. Taught by an MSU educator or specialist or an Upper Peninsula topic specialist, each week features a different speaker and activity.

To learn more about the Michigan Extension Master Gardener program, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/master_gardener_volunteer_program/ or contact Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator, Upper Peninsula Extension Master Gardener Coordinator, at kransr@msu.edu or 906-875-0606.