Volunteers train to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardener volunteers teach local community members to:
- manage their gardens and landscapes in a science-based, sustainable manner;
- address environmental and social priorities such as water conservation and water quality protection;
- reduce the impact of invasive species; and,
- increase public awareness of healthy living through gardening.
Whatever the priority need may be, if it can be addressed through gardening, Master Gardener volunteers are there to serve as part of the solution.
The program is open to anyone 18 or older, with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
Our Vision: Highly recognized, diverse and fully supported, WSU Master Gardener volunteers are the go-to resource for communities seeking research-based, innovative solutions for their ever-changing horticulture and environmental stewardship needs.
Our Mission: Engaging university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.
Our Values: We value personal and professional research and discovery because it encourages us to stay current about horticulture and environmental stewardship to meet the unique educational needs of our communities.
We foster and benefit from an atmosphere of diversity and inclusivity because our differences inspire creative thinking and innovative solutions.
We act with integrity because trust, truthfulness and respect create a healthy and positive culture.
We are committed to stewardship and sustainability serving as ethical and responsible agents of our natural resources, human resources and University resources.
We collaborate because together we empower healthy and resilient communities.
We are a dynamic and responsive program where knowledge inspires change.
Master Gardener Training Program
Pend Oreille County Master Gardener Basic Training is available throughout the year. Basic Training consists of three parts…
- Completion of the statewide on-line WSU Master Gardener training modules
- A series of trainings and classes that highlight gardening information specific to Pend Oreille County
- 40 hours of Volunteer internship time with Pend Oreille County Master Gardeners
Apply to join The Pend Oreille County Chapter by downloading the Master Gardener Program Volunteer Application here or picking up a copy at the Extension Office in Newport.
Financial Hardship assistance is available with help from the Master Gardener Foundation and the Pend Oreille County Chapter. Download the Training Scholarship Application here.
Completed applications can be returned to the Master Gardener Foundation of Pend Oreille County by dropping off the forms at the WSU Extension Office, 227-A South Garden Avenue in Newport, or mailed to Attn: Master Gardeners, WSU/ Pend Oreille County Extension Office, P.O. Box 5045, Newport, WA 99156. Once your application is reviewed, you will be called to schedule a brief orientation that will explain the Master Gardener program to you in detail.
For more information about the program contact: Beverly Sarles at beverly.sarles@wsu.edu or call at: 509-447-6453.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in the Master Gardener Program, but can’t commit to the full-time training and required hours?
Consider becoming an Associate Member of the Pend Oreille Chapter
of the WA Master Gardener Foundation and work alongside Certified Master Gardeners as they provide gardening education for the community. As an Associate member, there are no long-term commitments, no on-line training, and you pay zero fees.
- Work with us in our Demonstration Garden.
- Help set up displays at public events.
- Assist with Gardening Classes and committees.
- Lend a hand with our annual Plant or Hanging Basket Sales
Join us and make a difference!
Email Dixie Chichester at pocmg@outlook.com to see how you can help by volunteering as an Associate Member with our Master Gardener Foundation.