Two WSU Master Gardener volunteers identifying plants in the Plant Sale Nursery.

About us

Cultivating plants, people, and communities since 1973

WSU Extension > Thurston County > Gardening > About us

Three WSU Master Gardener volunteers smiling behind an information table with program information and decorations.

We are your neighbors and members of your community. Our priorities inform our efforts to create a more resilient Washington. We are actively engaged in teaching research-based gardening and environmental stewardship practices.

Our volunteers reach thousands of Thurston County community members through our various educational outreach programs. Whether at an Question & Answer Clinic at a Farmers Market, at a demonstration garden workshop, or anywhere in between – we look forward to connecting with you and being your go-to resource for research-based, reliable solutions for your ever-changing horticulture and environmental stewardship needs.

Come get inspired!

More information – WSU Thurston County Master Gardener Program

The following links will take you to the state WSU Extension Master Gardener website. Simply hit the back button to return to this page.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Master Gardeners inspecting greenhouse plants

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.

Learn about our history

Our Mission

Engaging university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.

Extension Master Gardener taking inventory

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.

Our Priorities

Learn about the 2025 impacts of the WSU Master Gardener Program

Climate Change

We teach ways to create resilient landscapes that are adapted to our changing climate.

Our impact on climate change

Discover what you can do to mitigate climate change

Clean Water

We teach integrated pest management to minimize polluted runoff.

Our impact on clean water

Discover what you can do to protect our water

Water Conservation

We teach water-wise gardening and landscaping practices to conserve water.

Our impact on water conservation

Discover what you can do to conserve water

Soil Health

We encourage building healthy soils to prevent depletion and ensure the long-term viability of local food security & natural resources.

Our impact on soil health

Discover what you can do to enhance soil health

Pollinators

We teach ways to help native bees and other pollinators thrive in home and community landscapes.

Our impact on pollinators

Discover what you can do to protect pollinators

Local Food

We teach sustainable techniques for growing local food to improve individual & community health and wellness.

Our impact on local food

Discover what you can do to grow your own food

Plant Biodiversity

We teach stewardship of diverse ecosystems through invasive species management, native species conservation and restoration in landscapes.

Our impact on plant biodiversity

Discover what you can do to promote plant biodiversity

Nearby Nature

We seek to increase access to plants, green spaces, and public landscapes to benefit the health & well-being of all members of our communities.

Our impact on nearby nature

Discover what nearby nature can do for you and your community

Wildfire Preparedness

We teach landscaping principles to reduce the risk of loss due to wildfire.

Our impact on wildfire preparedness

Discover what you can do to build a fire-resistant landscape

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Cori Carlton at cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us at least two (2) weeks prior to the event or application deadline.