WSU Master Gardeners to conduct new volunteer training to mark 50th anniversary

Washington State University (WSU) Master Gardeners plans to conduct new volunteer training as part of their significant partnership, which will continue until November as part of their 50^th anniversary.

The Master Gardener programs presented during its Wednesday, September 20 briefing with the county that they have already been established in various parts of the world, including England, South Korea, and Canada, providing critical research-based information for their programming.

Since 2009, the non-profit organization has reported 580 volunteers completing the WSU Master Gardener training program, with 180 active volunteers at present.

The group has had a range of programs that have been implemented, encompassing activities like hosting fundraising events, providing horticultural education, and offering expert responses to inquiries.

“Prior to the pandemic, our question-and-answer clinics were in person. In the pandemic, we hybridized, and now we offer virtual as well as in-person, so in-person came back, but we also kept the virtual as well. And so now we’re managing questions from residents in Thurston County,” stated Program Coordinator Cori Carlton.

One component of their initiative also involves the Children’s Garden Program, a complimentary offering available to all children between the ages of four and twelve, providing comprehensive instruction on gardening.

“I think in the end, it’s really going to pay off as time starts getting tough. We ought to have a lot smarter people out there that can help others along,” according to District 2 Commissioner Gary Edwards. “Maybe not in my lifetime, but you’re passing all that information on to others.”

WSU Extension Director Stephen Bramwell also emphasized the importance of ongoing county support for extension programs.

“One thing that we really bring back to the university all the time is how valuable the county funding relationship is. To the university, you do so much as an anchor to keep the overall extension program viable throughout the state,” stated Bramwell. “Without that county’s local support, the extension model does not function. You are in this community, and we’re here to kind of work in the community with you.”

The Master Gardeners reported that they have a series of upcoming activities and events focused on providing science-based education across the state. These events will offer attendees gardening techniques, refresh their gardening knowledge, and improve their skills to assist other gardeners in achieving success.