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Washington State University

Partners of the WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Program

Program Contact: WSU Master Gardener Question/Answer Clinic
(360) 867-2163 • master@co.thurston.wa.us

Comparison: Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County vs Master Gardener Program

It’s easy to confuse the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County and the WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Program. Even though our names sound very much alike and we work together to promote gardening activities in Thurston County, we are different.

Read below to learn about what each organization does to further our mutual goals.

Chart highlighting relationship between Foundation, the Master Gardener Program, and WSU Extension

Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston county

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Purpose: The Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County (MGFTC) provides financial and in-kind support to the WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Program and Master Recycler Composter Program of Thurston County. The Foundation also provides educational workshops and events, plant sales, and other fundraisers for the public throughout Thurston County.

Leadership: A nine-member, elected board of directors manage the Foundation. All of these positions are voluntary and unpaid.

Members: Dues-paying individuals, families, and businesses.  Being a Foundation member does not make someone a WSU Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter volunteer.

Foundation Programs Include: 

  • Fundraisers such as the Plant Sale, Handicrafts, Calendar, and Fall Fundraiser
  • Grants for improvements to Demonstration Gardens
  • Membership meetings and events

 

WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Program

A program of Washington State University.

Purpose: The WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship.

Leadership: A full-time coordinator and part-time program assistant report to Extension faculty and receive financial support from Thurston County.

Members: Trained and certified volunteers

Programs Include:

  • Master Gardener Volunteer Training
  • Question and Answer Clinic
  • Workshops throughout Thurston County
  • Education and outreach booths at events and Farmers Markets throughout Thurston County
  • Thurston County Fair Exhibit
  • Three Demonstration Gardens
  • Children’s Garden
  • Special Projects

 

 

Our Partners: