More on recruiting new WSU Master Gardeners

by Mark Amara Wsu Grant-Adams Master Gardener
| March 8, 2019 2:00 AM

Many people are curious about what the WSU Master Gardener Program is all about. Questions and answers continued.

Is there a cost to attend the training? Fees for volunteers to participate in the program are $170. A portion of the fee may be reimbursed after completion of the training.

What are the primary responsibilities? WSU Master Gardeners answer questions from the gardening public, research and provide diagnoses and answers to common plant and insect queries, compile and distribute educational materials at plant clinics, farmers markets, workshops, and county fairs, serve as educators and provide resources on horticulture and gardening to the public.

WSU MGs commonly work with issues in rural or urban yards, gardens or landscaping. If there are referrals or questions from commercial enterprises or farms, they are referred to local or regional extension agents.

There are several outside activities including working in demonstration and community gardens, collaborating with schools and providing hands-on training sessions. WSU Master Gardeners are often requested to make presentations to groups and also write articles for a quarterly newsletter, newspapers or other news media. There are opportunities to help prepare and staff exhibits, displays, booths and demonstration sites.

When is the next scheduled training? The next WSU master gardener class begins September 2019 for Grant-Adams Counties. Applicants should have a strong volunteer ethic, commit to becoming a volunteer educator for WSU Extension, pass the background screening, abide by WSU Master Gardener regulations and be willing to volunteer their time to take additional required trainings and participate in other volunteer activities.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer certified WSU Master Gardener should visit the Grant County Extension website gardening information page extension.wsu.edu/grant/gardening/master_gardeners and scroll down to “Become a Master Gardener Volunteer.” From there you can access the training brochure and compete the WSU MG Program Application, which must be sent to the WSU Extension Service at 1525 E. Wheeler Road, Moses Lake, WA 98837 or hand delivered there.

For gardening questions contact the WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant Extension office at 754-2011, extension 4313. Samples may be brought to the Extension Service at 1525 E. Wheeler Rd., Moses Lake, Monday through Thursday, 8-5 p.m.