Join the Master Gardener or Master Composter Program!

More information can be found by clicking HERE.

And you can write to Mitchell Vorwerk, Americorps Member

Vorwerkm@co.thurston.wa.us

or call (360) 786-5445 ext. 7913

Program Information

The WSU Master Gardener Program has yearly training to educate Interns about Integrated Pest Management and Sustainable Gardening Practices. In Thurston County, the training in 2009 will be spread out from January into July with classes every 2 weeks. Interns work closely with Mentors and other Veteran MGs in working at the Demonstration Gardens, clinics and at Foundation fundraising activities to earn the required volunteer hours that year. Once both the training and hours are completed, the individual graduates from Intern to Veteran. Volunteer and continuing education hours must be completed each year for a person to remain counted as an active participant in the program. It is a valuable way for people wishing to be part of the education of other Thurston County residents in good gardening practices. A copy of the Master Gardener Handbook can be found by clicking here.

Master Composter training is also conducted yearly. The training consists of several evening and Saturday classes. The exact schedule is to be determined for 2009. MCs are expected to help at any of the demonstration gardens with the composting duties and also to be available for teaching at workshops sponsored throughout the year. It is another very valuable experience for those wishing to help educate the public on ways to decrease their contribution to land fills as well as make some of their own 'Black Gold" to put on their gardens.

Master Gardener Plant Clinics

Along with the Demonstration Gardens which can be found on a separate page, the Master Gardener Program sponsors educational clinics which are available to the public. During operating hours, people can bring questions to the clinics which are staffed with MG volunteers (as volunteers are available). We're on hand to look at your problem (samples need to be brought to the clinics) and see if we can ID that bug, disease, cultural issue, etc. We appreciate as much information as you can provide so that our answers can be as thorough and accurate as possible. Also answered are questions about how to do something, what plants are best for our area and your specific situations, water-wise solutions, Integrated Pest Management, etc.