Applications open for WSU Master Gardener Program

By Sequim Gazette Staff • September 18, 2024 1:30 am
Image courtesy Clallam County WSU Extension/ Master Gardener program applications are open until Oct. 14 and can be found online via the Extension Website at <a href="https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/training/" target="_blank">https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/training/</a>.
Image courtesy Clallam County WSU Extension/ Master Gardener program applications are open until Oct. 14 and can be found online via the Extension Website at https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/training/.

Applications to join the Master Gardener program are being accepted now through Oct. 14.

There will be three information sessions and applicants are encouraged to attend one of them to learn more about the program:

• The first is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 in Sequim at the KSQM Community Room, 609 W. Washington St.

• The next session will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Port Angeles Library’s Raymond Carver Room, 2210 S. Peabody St.

• The last session is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 on Zoom with more information at extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/training. The virtual session will be recorded and made available through WSU Extension’s website.

The program application can be accessed online at the same site, or a paper copy can be picked up at the Extension office located at 1914 W. 18th St., Port Angeles, WA 98363.

The WSU Clallam County Master Gardener program invests in creating leaders to serve the needs of their community. Master Gardeners become ambassadors to assist WSU Clallam County Extension in providing accurate and environmentally sustainable horticultural advice and tools to support a healthy community.

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. The training session begins Monday, Jan. 13.

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.

The class fee is $350, and includes reference and learning materials and other supplies. Scholarships are available. Enrollment for local tribal members is free of charge.