Thank you for your interest in the WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training. On this page you will find training details and information on the application process.
You must be 18 years old or older to apply.
Application process for the 2024 WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training
The application process to be considered for the 2024 WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training involves three steps as outlined below. Acceptance letters will be sent out to applicants that successfully complete and pass all three steps.
The training class has a cap and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. If there is still room, the very last date to submit your volunteer application is 5pm on Friday December 8, 2023.
The information provided in your application and the meet and greet will help determine if the WSU Master Gardener program is a good fit.
The WSU Master Gardener Program requires a significant time commitment. To help you decide if it will be a good fit for your life, we suggest that you watch the pre-orientation video before applying. The pre-orientation video will provide an overview of what it takes to be a WSU Master Gardener volunteer including program expectations, as well as all the benefits of being a WSU Master Gardener volunteer. The pre-orientation video link is provided at the bottom of this page.
2024 WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Overview
WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training involves approximately 79 hours of instruction over 20 weeks, starting on January 26, 2024 and ending on June 7, 2024. Classes will be held virtually on Zoom and in-person, with additional learning to be done at home between classes. Each WSU Master Gardener trainee is assigned a mentor to assist them in the education process.
Training focuses on familiarization with and learning how to use resources to research, educate, mentor, and answer horticulture questions from the general public, usually serving with other WSU Master Gardener volunteers in an enjoyable, collaborative environment.
In between classes, trainees can expect an average 2 to 3 hours of homework per week, including reading chapters from the WSU Master Gardener Manual, using the online training system to complete interactive activities, and completing assignments that reinforce concepts discussed in the classroom. You will also be expected to complete online quizzes that are multiple choice, open book, and graded pass/fail. Quizzes are taken for retention of new material and are done at home using your own computer.
- COVID-19
Currently, we plan to have a mostly in-person training with a few classes on Zoom, unless WSU and Thurston County COVID-19 policy changes. Since COVID-19 started we’ve tried virtual-only trainings and found them not to be as successful as our in-person trainings.
All trainees accepted into the WSU Thurston County Master Gardener program will be required to follow current WSU and Thurston County policies related to COVID-19. These policies are based on the Governors approved policies. If no COVID-19 policy mandates are in place, then trainees have the option to wear or not wear a mask while participating in program training and activities.
- Training Location
Classes will be either virtually on Zoom or in person, either in the field or held at a training room in Lacey. Location details will be given upon acceptance into the program. Training room in Lacey is located on an Intercity Transit bus route.
- Tech Requirements for Training
All trainees must have a computer with internet access, an e-mail account, a web cam and microphone, and a Zoom account to participate. The WSU Master Gardener Program uses email as a primary mode of communication outside of the classroom, and the internet and Zoom for other program and training needs.
- Training Dates, Times, and Format
2024 Training Dates/Times/Format:
Dates Times Format Friday January 26 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, February 2 9am to noon Zoom Friday, February 9 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, February 16 9am to 4pm Zoom & In-person Friday, February 23 9am to noon Zoom Friday, March 1 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, March 8 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, March 22 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, April 5 9am to 4pm Zoom & In-person Friday, April 19 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, May 3 9am to 4pm In-person Saturday, May 18 9am to 1pm In-person Friday, May 24 9am to noon In-person Friday, May 31 9am to 4pm In-person Friday, June 7 9am to 4pm In-person
- Training Cost
The cost of this extensive training program is $325.00 plus 60 hours of volunteer service working on designated Thurston County WSU Master Gardener projects. You have until December 31, 2025 to complete your 60 hours of service. Please do not send payment with your application.
- $15 for the background check (credit card only) – to be completed and paid for after meet and greet.
- $75 for WSU online training program fee (credit or debit card) – to be paid between January 26 and February 2.
- $235 for local training fee (cash or check only) – to be paid on January 26, unless participating in the payment plan (see below).
Payment plan information and Scholarships:
Payment plans for the training fee are available to anyone who completes a payment plan form. The training fee ($310) is broken into the following four monthly payments:
- $75 is due to WSU the week between January 26 and February 2
- $78.33 is due on/by March 31
- $78.33 is due on/by April 30
- $78.34 is due on/by May 31
A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to those experiencing financial hardship. Payment plan and scholarship forms will be available at the meet and greet.
