[Columbia, SC] - In a special partnership between Riverbanks Botanical Garden, 4-H and the Clemson Extension, 50 Midlands children will earn their Junior Master Gardener certification this Saturday, June 10 at 10:00am.

"This program isn't just about learning to appreciate and contribute to nature," said Amanda Segura, Riverbanks Botanical Garden's education specialist. "It's about instilling leadership in children ages 8 to 13. Lots of these kids are passionate about the outdoors and about doing things like this, but for the kids who aren't, they're taking away an even stronger sense that they can do whatever they put their mind to."

The only program of its kind in the Midlands, the Junior Master Gardener program takes place over the course of six months and includes 45 hours of hands-on gardening training. The program uses a two-level national curriculum developed by Texas A&M University. Participants pay only $75 for the entire six-month program, which includes the Junior Master Gardener certification at the conclusion of the course.

The graduation, which takes place at Riverbanks Botanical Garden's Visitor Center, will feature representatives from Riverbanks, 4-H and the Clemson Extension as well as the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers. Three students in particular will be recognized at the ceremony: Chapman Woolington of Rembert is receiving the exceptional student award for level 1; Catherine Mack from Saluda is receiving the exceptional student award for level 2; and William Davis of Blythewood is being recognized for being most likely to become a naturalist.

The ceremony also celebrates the launch of Riverbanks' Educational Farm Garden, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture.

The Educational Farm Garden was designed to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to South Carolina's economy, both historically and today. The garden focuses on agricultural crops that have historically grown in South Carolina and continue to grow today, including soybeans, peanuts, corn and tobacco. After its initial launch, Riverbanks' Junior Master Gardeners will be responsible for using the experience they've gained in the program to maintain the garden.

"Most kids don't make any connection between what's planted in the ground and what winds up on their plates for dinner," said Segura. "The Educational Farm Garden and the work the Junior Master Gardeners will put into it over the years are designed to highlight the relationship between the two and to give children a better appreciation of South Carolina's rich agricultural tradition."

To find out more about enrolling in the Junior Master Gardener program or to get involved in the Educational Farm Garden, call (803) 779-8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.