Do you want to learn more about gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community?
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program may be just right for you.
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is open to individuals interested in becoming volunteers and sharing gardening and horticulture knowledge with the general public through community education and outreach. Extension Master Gardener volunteers engage with communities to support stewardship of our soil, water and wildlife, and contribute to food security by using sustainable gardening practices. We welcome applicants of all experience levels and backgrounds who are passionate about increasing their gardening knowledge and giving back to communities through volunteer service.
Before applying to become a WSU Master Gardener volunteer, it is important to thoroughly read the information on this page to understand what it means to be a WSU Master Gardener volunteer.
Click on the “+” next to each question to view its answer.
What is the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program?
Since 1973, the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program has been engaging university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education. WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are the foundation of the program and are the go-to resource for communities seeking research-based, innovated solutions for their ever-changing horticulture and environmental stewardship needs.
Every county in Washington State has a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, including Thurston County.
The WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Program is sponsored by Washington State University Extension and Thurston County. WSU Master Gardener volunteers assist WSU Thurston County Extension in providing information to home and community gardeners about sound and sustainable gardening practices.
What is the WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training program?
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program in a critical piece to becoming a certified WSU Master Gardener volunteer, and you cannot achieve certified WSU Master Gardener status without it. The purpose of the WSU Master Gardener Volunteer Training program is to prepare you to do gardening-related volunteer service in our local communities.
Training to become a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer includes:
- completion of Green School – this is the basic core training that occurs online via learning modules and webinars.
- completion of in-person labs, activities, and field trips with the WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Program – you will participate with other new interns to learn about what it means to be a volunteer, and apply the knowledge you learned online.
- completion of 40 hours volunteering as an WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Program intern – you will serve with other volunteers applying the knowledge you learned to give back to your community in meaningful ways.
Becoming a volunteer sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits of being a WSU Master Gardener volunteer?
Becoming a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer is a lot of work and takes commitment, but it is a rewarding journey. Although not for everyone, volunteering with the WSU Master Gardener program has many benefits. WSU Master Gardener volunteers:
- Learn research-based techniques to create a thriving garden that also benefits our environment;
- Connect with horticulture and gardening experts;
- Have access to continuing education opportunities to expand their gardening knowledge and better serve the public in the fields of horticulture, conservation, and sustainability;
- Make a positive difference in Thurston County on critical issues such as food security and water quality;
- Build new friendships with other passionate gardeners;
- Find a renewed sense of purpose;
- Have fun!
You will become part of the 200+ Thurston County WSU Master Gardener volunteers who have very diverse backgrounds of gardening expertise and interests. As a result of this diversity you will have fun learning from one another while making lifelong friendships.
What do WSU Master Gardener volunteers do?
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are university trained educators who empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education to address priorities like climate change and access to local food.
Extension Master Gardeners make an impact in Thurston County by…
- Offering Plant Answer Clinics to support gardeners.
- Delivering engaging community presentations.
- Hosting hands-on gardening demonstrations in one of our 3 demonstration gardens and other community spaces.
- Organizing educational youth workshops for our Children’s Garden program.
- Serving in our Food Bank Garden, raising food for the Thurston County Food Bank.
- Contributing in many other meaningful ways!
Read more about what our volunteers do on our home page at https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/
What are the training details and application process?
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Please visit our Green School page for more information about volunteer training.
Look for the Track 2: the volunteer track
What are the requirements to maintain certification?
To maintain certification volunteers must:
- Give at least 25 hours of service in Thurston County and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education each year.
- Log your hours.
- Complete the annual recommitment process.
What if I don’t want to be a WSU Master Gardener Volunteer, how can I access the WSU horticulture resources?
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- Check out our resources page for a list of free reliable horticulture resources.
- Take the Washington Green School course to improve your gardening experience by learning research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship practices. Learn more at https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/greenschool/
Where can I find more information about the WSU Master Gardener Program and who in Thurston County can I contact if I have more questions about becoming a WSU Master Gardener volunteer?
To be notified about the next WSU Thurston County Master Gardener volunteer training, please subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. For all other questions about WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Training, please contact our Program Coordinator, Cori Carlton, at cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2162
WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Program website
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons will disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Cori Carlton at 3054 Carpenter Rd. SE, Olympia WA 98503, 360-867-2162, at least two weeks prior to the beginning of training.