Now is the time to become a WSU Master Gardener

Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community? Then the WSU Master Gardener program may be just what you’re looking for. When volunteers who have been with the program for a number of years were asked what they like best about being a WSU Master Gardener volunteer, the most popular answer was, “I learn something new every time I participate in a WSU Master Gardener activity.” The second most popular answer was, “meeting new people and friends with similar interests as me.” Master Gardeners have fun, learn new things, and meet new friends, all while giving back to their communities. It’s a win, win. Now is the time to become a WSU Master Gardener volunteer.

WSU Master Gardeners are grassroots volunteer educators who teach sustainable landscape management and environmental stewardship all around Washington State. In Chelan and Douglas Counties, the volunteer program is about 100 volunteers strong and is always looking for new community member who are interested in gardening and in the environment.

The first step in becoming a WSU Master Gardener is taking Basic Training, which is a horticulture series offered as a combination of online and in-class training sessions. The online portion is done from a computer, using a platform called Blackboard to read chapter assignments, view PowerPoint presentations and videos, and complete crossword puzzles and fill-in-the-blank worksheets. The in-class sessions, held once a week, are meant to solidify what you learn online, while allowing time for you to become accustomed to the program’s projects and volunteers.

Important Dates:

Applications Due: October 6, 2017

Interviews: weeks of Oct. 23 and 30, 2017

Program Acceptance: week of November 13, 2017

Online Program registration opens: Nov. 24, 2017

Online Program registration deadline: December 15, 2017

The process of becoming a WSU Master Gardener is a rewarding, but time-consuming, endeavor. Classes will begin in January and likely run through April. For an application or to ask questions, please contact Jennifer Marquis directly at 667-6540 or via e-mail at jgmarquis@wsu.edu. Or, if you’d rather check us out on the internet, please go to http://extension.wsu.edu/chelan-douglas/ and click on Master Gardener.