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Do you want to learn more about gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community? The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program may be just right for you. You will learn science-based knowledge to tackle the yard and garden problems that matter to you and to your friends, neighbors and community.
WSU Extension Washington Green School
Join a community of gardeners dedicated to protecting Washington’s environment. WSU Extension Green School (Green School) provides the knowledge and skills to garden responsibly in our changing climate. Learn practical techniques, connect with experts, and discover how your actions contribute to a healthier future for all.
Green School offers two distinct tracks:
- One track for individuals looking to enhance their gardening skills through research-based horticultural and environmental stewardship, the Washington Gardener course.
- Another track for those who wish to take it further by becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program volunteer (read below).
Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties
Master Gardener Volunteer Training
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program for people with a passion for plants, a drive to learn, and a commitment to serve. Candidates for the program may have a range in experience or knowledge about horticulture, but all have a desire to learn. By joining the program, you are committing to serving the community as a volunteer gardening/horticulture educator. Interested in joining the WSU Extension Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties Master Gardener Program? Information about the WSU Master Gardener Program volunteer expectations and the application can be found below.
Training
All WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers receive in-depth horticulture training provided by university faculty, staff, and specialists. Training is critical to ensure that all volunteers have access to the information necessary to support our mission. Training to become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer include 3 main components:
- Green School online course. The online course will take place over a 20-week period between October 5, 2025, and February 21, 2026. Green School offers flexible, remote and hybrid training options. This includes self-paced online classes and online review sessions with subject matter experts from WSU. Courses are specific to the PNW’s climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Training is a big commitment and includes reading (online, no text required), homework, quizzes, in-class activities, lectures, and a final exam.
- In-person labs/field trips. Trainees attend in-person labs or field trips at locations across Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, WA. Details about labs/field trips coming soon.
- Internship/volunteer service. Upon completing their training, trainees transition into their internship. As interns, they volunteer alongside certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers, enhancing their knowledge and skills while gaining comfort in community education and program participation. Interns are expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service their first year. Volunteer service includes answering garden questions at our plant clinics, helping to maintain one of our demonstration gardens, giving presentations, or helping with our children’s education team – to name just a few of the many opportunities.
Application Process
The next application process for Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties will be for the training that begins in October 2025. The application process will include the following steps:
- Interested applicants can apply between July 1st – 30th, 2025.
- Accepted applicants will be notified by the end of August.
- In September, after applying for and being accepted into the volunteer program, you will be asked to complete a background screening.
Ongoing Commitment
WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are active in their own counties across the state and their impacts are impressive. We have a user-friendly reporting system so that logging hours, reporting outreach, and signing up for projects is simple. We’re required to report our efforts locally and to the state annually – we want to show off the good work our volunteers are doing! Check out our Annual Reports to read more. 2023 WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Annual Report
After we’ve put our outdoor gardens to bed, we start our annual renewal process for all Master Gardeners. Annual certification in the Extension Master Gardener Program is not automatic. After completion of Green School and your internship commitment, you will become certified. To maintain certification, volunteers must give at least 25 hours of service and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education each year. Volunteers who have met the minimum requirements to remain certified will be offered the opportunity to request continuing certification for the following year.
There is no fee associated with annual certification.
Additional Details
Training Costs:
Training Course Materials:
There is one required textbook, PNW Gardeners Handbook: Growing for the Future which will be available to you through your course fees.
There are no perquisites for this non-credit course other than a desire to learn and if you choose the volunteer route, a demonstrated volunteer ethic. You will need a computer, email address and reliable, high-speed internet to successfully participate in our online training program.
Expected Workload:
- Estimated 180 hours over 52 weeks.
- Completion of online Green School course (120 hours).
- Approximately 20 hours of in-person, in-county labs, activities, and field trips.
- 40 hours volunteering as an Extension Master Gardener intern.
- Be prepared to spend 6-8 hours per week studying for Green School and labs.
Volunteer Expectations:
The agreements and policies, clarify the scope and expectations of our Program. WSU Extension and local counties invest in volunteers and in return, volunteers invest in WSU Extension and in local communities. It is important to clearly define expectations so current and interested volunteers have the information they need to determine if being a WSU volunteer is a good fit. WSU Extension values the time and talents of volunteers and commits to doing our best to make the volunteer experience productive and rewarding.
Community Education:
What topics are central to Extension Master Gardener volunteers when volunteers provide education for community members? Our Program Priorities help focus our efforts.
Some Highlights from Previous Classes
Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact : PO Box 88, South Bend, WA 98586, or call 360-875-9331 at least two weeks prior to the event.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office.