Are you a lifelong learner who enjoys gardening? Want to experience the power of sharing sustainable gardening knowledge with your community? The Master Gardener program may be just the thing for you.

Applications to join the program are now being accepted until Dec. 23.

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

To become a Master Gardener, students attend a 10- 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. 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 a 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 $250, and includes reference and learning materials and other supplies.

For more information, contact Lorrie Hamilton at lhamilton@co.clallam.wa.us or by calling 565-2679.