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Becoming a Master Gardener

Program Contact: Patty Ratzlaff, Master Gardener Coordinator
(509) 962-7507 • patty.ratzlaff@wsu.edu

Become a Kittitas County Master Gardener

Master Gardener Training 2023-2024

Thank you for your interest in the WSU Extension Kittitas County Master Gardener Program!  Our program engages university trained volunteers to empower diverse communities with unbiased research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.  Find out more on our website at https://mastergardener.wsu.edu

Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community?  Then the WSU Master Gardener program may be just what you’re looking for.  We asked some certified volunteers what they like best about being a WSU Master Gardener volunteer.  Their answers were continual learning and friendships.  WSU Extension Master Gardeners have fun, learn new things, and meet new friends all while giving back to their communities.  It’s a win, win.

The first step in becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener is to apply for and take Basic Training, which is a horticulture series offered as a combination of online and in-class training sessions.  The online portion uses a platform called ‘Canvas’ to read chapter assignments, view PowerPoint presentations and videos, and complete worksheets.  The in-class sessions are held once a week on Tuesdays or certain Wednesdays from 10:00 – 2:00 from Jan 30 – May 14, 2024 at the WSU Extension office in Ellensburg.

These in person sessions are meant to solidify what is learned online, while allowing time to become accustomed to the program’s projects and volunteers.  Applicants should anticipate 3 – 4 hours of study each week along with weekly class time.

Important Dates:

  • Meet & Greet with small group Interviews: Tues. Nov. 7, 1:00 – 2:30
  • Applications Due:  Nov. 21
  • Program Orientation & Welcome Luncheon: Tues. Jan 30, 2024, 10:00 – 2:00
  • Course Cost: $175 to be paid on Jan. 30th
  • 2024 Class Schedule: Tuesdays from 10:00 – 2:00, Feb. 6 – May 14* (with occasional Wednesdays)

Please see full class schedule for more details.

The process of becoming a WSU Master Gardener is a rewarding, but time-consuming endeavor.   The in-class sessions are held at the WSU Extension office in Ellensburg (address below).  The cost of the training is $175 and is payable upon acceptance into the program. After completion of the training, a 40 hour internship is required to become a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer.  Students who complete the course and the internship serve the community as home-garden horticulture advisors and earn the title WSU Extension Kittitas County Master Gardener.

WSU Master Gardener Volunteer Application Fall 2023 Winter 2024

Please e-mail completed applications to patty.ratzlaff@wsu.edu or mail/bring to the Kittitas County Extension Office at 901 E 7th Avenue, Suite 2, Ellensburg, WA 98926.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation, need to contact WSU Kittitas County Extension at (509) 962-7507 by application deadline.