Apply Now to Become a WSU Master Gardener

— from Caitlin Blethen for Master Gardeners —

Love to problem solve? Interested in gardening, plants and/or insects? Looking for a fun way to get involved?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 San Juan County WSU Master Gardener Training Program. Volunteer trainees receive over 60 hours of training, both in the classroom and on-line. The training is taught by local and regional experts and includes topics on vegetable gardening, soils, plant disease diagnostics, plant identification and more! Trainees become a part of a cohort of passionate, dedicated community members who will provide educational outreach and help problem solve gardening questions. In the first year, trainees are mentored by a cohort of veteran Master Gardeners while volunteering 50 hours within the program. Certified Master Gardeners complete at least 25 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of Continuing Education. Many volunteers stay involved in the program for many years, sharing their love of gardening and learning with their community and fellow volunteers.

The 2019 training will be held on nine Tuesdays, January 29 – March 26. The cost of the training is $225. Partial scholarships available.

Master Gardener training is offered biannually in San Juan County, so don’t miss this opportunity. Expert and novice gardeners are encouraged to apply. Applications are due November 1^st.

The WSU Master Gardener Program is a nationally recognized program that trains volunteers to teach local community members to manage their gardens and landscapes in a science-based, sustainable manner; address environmental and social priorities such as water conservation and water quality protection; reduce the impact of invasive species; and increase public awareness of healthy living by growing food. Information they share is generated from research at WSU and other university systems. Everyone with an interest in gardening and volunteering is welcome and encouraged to apply for the program.

For more information, contact Caitlin Blethen, Master Gardener Program Coordinator at mg.sanjuancounty@wsu.edu or (360) 378 4414. Applications are available at: extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/master-gardeners/wsu-master-gardener-training-2/

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.