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- LSU AgCenter, Delgado partnership provides facilities for horticulture education
NOTE -- This article was changed on Jan. 4 to correct an earlier error.
(12/17/18) NEW ORLEANS — LSU AgCenter agents in Greater New Orleans now have a set of greenhouses and classrooms to use for their horticulture activities.
Delgado Community College recently discontinued its horticulture program, said AgCenter regional director Chiquita Briley.
“Instead of demolishing the buildings, we have entered into an agreement with the school to utilize the classrooms and greenhouses for training and programming,” Briley said. “It is just a win-win for each of us.”
For several months, the AgCenter has been using the facilities to train Master Gardeners in the area.
“Delgado Community College welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with the LSU AgCenter, and we look forward to the return of educational programs to our revitalized greenhouse space at the City Park campus,” said Kim R. Tubré, director of continuing education and professional development at Delgado. “Everyone in workforce development and continuing education at Delgado looks forward to supporting this partnership.”
AgCenter horticulture agents Anna Timmerman, Joe Willis and Chris Dunaway have been leading a Master Gardener class using the classroom.
“This has been great for us because it allows us to utilize the ‘flip teaching’ method, where those in the class can do some of their work in the classroom and other work online,” Timmerman said.
This type of training works great for those who want to be Master Gardeners but can’t get off work to come to all of the classroom sessions.
“In the past, Master Gardener classes have been mainly only available to retirees because of the times the classes are held,” she said. “But with these facilities available, there is more opportunity for those with more restricted schedules.”
Briley said the partnership benefits students who are interested in horticulture because they can now get a feel for LSU by participating in horticulture workshops before enrolling in LSU as a full-time student.
“There are agreements with other community colleges, but I’m not familiar with anything like this,” Briley said.
The greenhouses will not only be available to individuals but also for businesses that need access to training facilities.
“The agreement is for one year, and we will come back next year and assess what was good and what needs to be adjusted,” she said. “So we are currently partnering one year at a time.”
LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Anna Timmerman answers questions during a Master Gardener class at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. The AgCenter has partnered with Delgado to use their greenhouses and classrooms to conduct trainings and various meetings. Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter