Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties is accepting applications for its Master Gardener Training program. The 12-week course begins March 2. The program empowers individuals to become community gardening leaders. Participants will embark on a hybrid learning experience, combining virtual coursework and in-person meetings and excursions, covering basic botany to nuisance wildlife, and more. Training takes 12 weeks, from March 2 to June 1 (with breaks in April and May). In-person sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and include a lunch break. at the CCE offices in Hudson and Acra. Applications must be submitted by January 31, by going online to ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/master-gardener-volunteers/how-to-become-a-master-gardener. Space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.