A WSU Master Gardener participates in Pollinator Day Camp.

The next WSU Master Gardener Volunteer Training class will begin January 2024. The informative and interactive training classes will meet once monthly on Saturdays in up to FOUR locations depending on where you live. Training continues until October 2024.

As a WSU Master Gardener Volunteer, you will have many opportunities to work and socialize with supportive volunteers as you serve people in our communities. At several of the demonstration gardens and garden beds we donate food and vegetable seedlings to local foodbanks. We teach people about growing their own food and help others with plant problems so they learn ways to be successful with their gardening needs. WSU Master Gardeners volunteer with children in educational programs. We also enjoy researching and pursuing special interests in gardening.

People join Master Gardeners for a variety of different reasons and goals. As part of becoming a Master Gardener, you meet people and develop strong connections and friendships as you volunteer together. Recently Master Gardeners shared comments about what they enjoy about being in Master Gardening. “I loved how interactive the classes were and how quickly our fellow classmates bonded. They have been exceptionally kind and supportive of both trainees, interns and certified Master Gardeners. “

As you interact with WSU Master Gardeners, you learn more about growing conditions for your garden. You will share gardening strategies with the public in workshops and plant clinics as you answer questions about plant problems.

A WSU Master Gardener intern commented, “I always learn new information about gardening and sharing with others to help them be more successful in gardening. Living in the Northwest has been both a joy and a challenge learning to grow things in our cool, rainy, sandy environment.” Another intern shared, “I learned to minimize deer damage in gardens as well as other problems that affect plants in the NW habitat. I have enjoyed mostly every minute of learning about gardening. However, I’m beginning to lose my enchantment with slugs!”

Many of our WSU Master Gardeners enjoy volunteering with children, youth, and families. One WSU Master Gardener shared their experiences recently. “I love to work with children and youth teaching them about gardening. I volunteer in preschool classes to build on their interest in gardening. I have provided seeds, plants, craft activities and plant information to families to continue gardening activities.”

Another Master Gardener wanted to make a difference in a community where poverty and poor health are endemic. “I took the Master Gardener training class two years before I retired and have spent the years since then looking for ways to help families eat more nutritiously and to teach kids about the natural world around them. We grow veggies, fruit, herbs and donate the food and vegetable seedlings to local foodbanks for use by food bank clients.”

Does this interest you? To receive additional information, contact us by calling the WSU Extension Office in Pacific County at 360-875-9331 or email our program coordinators at Brenda.priestley@yahoo.com or Elena Righettini, mrighettini@yahoo.com.