Events and outreach in Thurston County
Serving communities in Thurston County
The WSU Thurston Master Gardener Program and the Master Recycler Composter of Thurston County Program host educational classes, workshops, diagnostic services, and activities for kids. Through these events our trained volunteers bring relevant, unbiased, research-based gardening, composting, and recycling information to Thurston County communities.
Our outreach efforts are generously supported by the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.
More information
Have a question?
WSU Thurston County Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter volunteers are ready to help with your gardening, composting, and recycling questions. Ask our Question and Answer Clinic volunteers at one of our in-person events, or email your question to our Q&A Inbox.
We provide free access to unbiased research-based information to help people find answers to their gardening, composting, and recycling questions.
Visit a Garden
Want to see gardening and composting in action? Stop by one of our three demonstration gardens in Thurston County. These outdoor classrooms give gardeners and composters the opportunity to see and practice sustainable gardening and composting techniques.
Check out our Demonstration Gardens page for locations, hours of operation, and events at the gardens.
Take a Workshop
WSU Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composter volunteers demonstrate on topics ranging from lawn care to worm composting to establishing a prairie garden. Workshops are taught by University and County-trained volunteers and staff. All workshops are free and open to the public.
Check out the schedule of workshops to find one that you are interested in.
Hands-on learning for kids
The gardeners of tomorrow start building their passion today!
In Thurston County, we offer a free Children’s Garden program in the summer with hands-on learning in the Dirt Works Food Bank Garden. Young gardeners are introduced to the art and science of gardening while developing community service values.
Children’s Garden Program registration for summer 2026 is open! Learn more about our Children’s Garden Program and see the schedule and registration information.
Looking for plants for your location?
Find unique varieties of perennials that are well-suited for local climates and soils and for advice from WSU Extension Master Gardeners about how to best care for their new plants. Plant sale goers know that they will get high quality plants at a reasonable price.
Held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and hosted by the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County, the Plant Sale is a great place to get great plants and great prices.
100% of the revenue supports the WSU Master Gardener, Master Recycler Composter and Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County outreach and educational activities.
Visit a Partner Garden
WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener volunteers maintain two gardens at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. The Pollinator Garden and WSU Extension office garden offer two examples of small gardens.
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.