During 2023, 16 participants enrolled and completed the 10 week classroom requirement of the Bourbon County Master Gardener program which covered various aspects of gardening and horticulture. The training included 15 hours of hands-on lab time where the participants learned skills such as pruning, composting, soil science, and botany. The graduates are now giving back to their local communities by volunteering 640 hours of their time to various projects. Some of the projects they have completed or are working on include: educating the public about plants and wildlife at the arboretum, growing fresh produce for food banks, helping with therapy gardens for seniors and veterans, and many more. The program is a great example of how the extension service can empower people to improve their environment and quality of life.