The WSU Clallam County Master Gardener program is accepting applications now through Friday, Nov. 25.

The program looks to invest in creating leaders to serve the needs of their community, with Master Gardeners becoming ambassadors to assist the WSU Clallam County Extension Service in providing accurate and environmentally sustainable horticultural advice and tools to support a healthy community, program representatives say.

To become a Master Gardener, students attend an 11-week training session that includes Washington State University research-based courses in botany, soil science, pruning, growing ornamentals and vegetables, fruit and berries and other elements of sustainable home horticulture, starting on Jan. 18. Online training, field trips, labs and classroom participation are all part of the student experience.

After completion of classes, Master Gardener Interns complete 100 hours of approved volunteer service through the County Extension office to earn their Master Gardener Certification.

Volunteer service hours include participating in garden-related education activities, diagnosing plant problems, working in demonstration gardens, and serving on Master Gardener committees and projects.

In-person information sessions will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., and at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the KSQM 91.5 FM meeting room, 609 W. Washington St.

An informational Zoom meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2; go to tinyurl.com/mr22kj9p.

The class fee is $300 and includes reference and learning materials and other supplies; scholarships are available.

The application can be accessed online at extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/training. Or, a paper copy can be picked up at the WSU Clallam County Extension office at 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 15, Port Angeles.