Become a WSU Extension Master Gardener
Join us!
Are you a gardener in San Juan County? Do you enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others? Have you just moved to the islands and want to get involved in the community and learn about gardening in our unique ecosystem? The WSU Extension San Juan County Master Gardener Volunteer program may be just what you are looking for!
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The WSU Master Gardener Program is a nationally-recognized program that trains volunteers to serve their communities through horticultural education and outreach. Master Gardener volunteers work in partnership with the WSU Extension to teach research-based gardening and environmental stewardship practices to county residents, while at the same time learning, working, and having fun with other like-minded volunteers. Once volunteers receive training, they provide educational information to the public in home and subsistence horticulture including vegetable and fruit gardening, lawn and landscape maintenance, composting, native plants, plant problem diagnosis, pest control, and many other concerns.
WSU Extension Washington Green School
Join a community of gardeners dedicated to protecting Washington’s environment. WSU Extension Green School (Green School) provides the knowledge and skills to garden responsibly in our changing climate. Learn practical techniques, connect with experts, and discover how your actions contribute to a healthier future for all.
Green School offers two distinct tracks:
- One track for individuals looking to enhance their gardening skills through research-based horticultural and environmental stewardship, the Washington Gardener course.
- Another track for those who wish to take it further by becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program volunteer (read below).
San Juan County Master Gardener Volunteer Training
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program for people with a passion for plants, a drive to learn, and a commitment to serve. Candidates for the program may have a range in experience or knowledge about horticulture, but all have a desire to learn. By joining the program, you are committing to serving the community as a volunteer gardening/horticulture educator. Interested in joining the WSU Extension San Juan Master Gardener Program? Complete the application (information below) and agree to the WSU Master Gardener Program expectations.
Training
All WSU Extension Master Gardeners (EMG’s) receive in-depth horticulture training provided by university faculty, staff, and specialists. Training is critical to ensure that all volunteers have access to the information necessary to support our mission. Training to become an Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteer include 3 main components:
- Green School online course. The online course will take place over a 20-week period between October 5, 2025, and February 21, 2026. Green School offers flexible, remote and hybrid training options. This includes self-paced online classes and online review sessions with subject matter experts from WSU. Courses are specific to the PNW’s climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Training is a big commitment and includes reading (online, no text required), homework, quizzes, in-class activities, lectures, and a final exam.
- In-person labs/field trips. Trainees attend in-person trainings and field trips at locations in San Juan County.
- Internship/volunteer service. Upon completing their training, trainees transition into their internship. As interns, they volunteer alongside certified WSU Extension Master Gardeners, enhancing their knowledge and skills while gaining comfort in community education and program participation. Interns are expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service their first year. Volunteer service include answering garden questions at our answer clinic, helping to maintain one of our demonstration gardens, giving presentations, or helping with our plant sales– to name just a few of the many opportunities.
Application Process
The next application in San Juan County will be for the training that begins in October 2025. The application process includes the following steps:
- Interested applicants can apply between June 1st – August 30th, 2025.
- Applicants attend an Q & A session in August (dates/locations listed below).
- Accepted applicants will be notified in early September.
- In September, after applying for and being accepted into the volunteer program, you will be asked to complete a background screening.
Q & A Sessions
Each applicant should plan to attend a Q & A session. These sessions will go over the requirements, and serve as an opportunity for applicants to make sure the program is a good fit and to meet other Extension Master Gardeners.
Ongoing Commitment
WSU Extension Master Gardeners are active across the state and their impacts are impressive. We have a user-friendly reporting system so that logging hours, reporting outreach, and signing up for projects is simple. We’re required to report our efforts locally and to the state annually – we want to show off the good work our volunteers are doing! Check out our Annual Reports to read more. 2024 WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Impact Report.
After we’ve put our outdoor gardens to bed, we start our annual renewal process for all Master Gardeners. Annual certification in the Extension Master Gardener Program is not automatic. After completion of Green School and your internship commitment, you will become certified. To maintain certification, volunteers must give at least 25 hours of service and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education each year. Volunteers who have met the minimum requirements to remain certified will be offered the opportunity to request continuing certification for the following year.
There is no fee associated with annual certification.
Additional Details
A: There is one required textbook, PNW Gardeners Handbook: Growing for the Future which will be available to you through your course fees.
There are no perquisites for this non-credit course other than a desire to learn and if you choose the volunteer route, a demonstrated volunteer ethic. You will need a computer, email address and reliable, high-speed internet to successfully participate in our online training program.
A: Estimated 180 hours over 52 weeks.
- Completion of online Green School course (120 hours).
- Approximately 20 hours of in-person, in-county labs, activities, and field trips.
- 40 hours volunteering as an Extension Master Gardener intern.
- Be prepared to spend 6-8 hours per week studying for Green School and labs.
A: The agreements and policies, clarify the scope and expectations of our Program. WSU Extension and local counties invest in volunteers and in return, volunteers invest in WSU Extension and in local communities. It is important to clearly define expectations so current and interested volunteers have the information they need to determine if being a WSU volunteer is a good fit. WSU Extension values the time and talents of volunteers and commits to doing our best to make the volunteer experience productive and rewarding.
A: What do Extension Master Gardener volunteers educate the community on? Our Program Priorities inform our efforts.
The passion and dedication demonstrated by WSU Extension Master Gardeners underscores the positive impact that programs like these can have on individuals and communities. The reasons they’ve provided for their involvement highlight the multifaceted benefits of participating in such a program:
Being a WSU Extension Master Gardener offers a continuous learning experience. Participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of horticultural science and gardening practices, staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.
The sense of community and the opportunity to learn from fellow WSU Extension Master Gardeners contributes to a supportive and enriching environment. Sharing experiences and knowledge among members fosters continuous growth and improvement.
The core aspect of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is community service. Participants take pride in using their expertise to benefit their local communities by offering guidance, workshops, and assistance to fellow community members.
WSU Extension Master Gardeners often earn respect and recognition from their communities for their valuable contributions. This acknowledgment can be a source of pride and satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of the work they do.
Involvement in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides a sense of purpose. Participants find fulfillment in contributing to a greater cause, knowing that their efforts positively impact the environment and the well-being of the community.
If you’re passionate about gardening and want to make a positive impact, participating in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program can be a fulfilling and educational experience. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and give back by sharing your expertise with others.
