Master Gardener Application Introduction

Thank you for your interest in the Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Program! The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program engages university trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education for a healthy planet and a healthy people.

Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening, meet new people, and make a difference in the community? Then the WSU Master Gardener Program may be just what you’re looking for. When volunteers who have been with the program are asked what they like best about being a WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, the most popular answer is, “I learn something new every time I participate in an activity.” The second answer is, “making new friends with similar interests as me.” Extension Master Gardeners have fun, learn new things, and meet new friends all while giving back to their communities. It’s a win, win.

The first step is to apply for and take Basic Training, which is a horticulture series offered as a combination of asynchronous online and synchronous in-class training sessions. The online portion is done from a computer using a platform called Canvas to read chapter assignments, view PowerPoint presentations and videos, and complete crossword puzzles and fill-in-the-blank worksheets. The in-class sessions are held Fridays and a few Tuesdays and are meant to solidify subject matter learned online and get to know fellow volunteers.

Important Dates:

Applications Due: October 31
Interviews/Program Orientations: Late October – early November
Program Acceptance: End of November
Program Orientation and Meet and Greet: early January
Classes Start: early January

The process of becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener is a rewarding but time-consuming endeavor. Classes will begin in January and run through April. The in-class sessions are generally held on Fridays in Mount Vernon from 9 AM to 4 PM. The cost of the training is $400 (state fee is $75) and is payable upon acceptance into the program. Scholarship funds are available for the SKagit County WSU Extension  Master Gardener training. For more information regarding how to apply for the Gloria Williams Training Scholarship, please contact the Program Coordinator, Alex duPont. After completion of the training, a 60-hour internship is required to become a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer. Students who complete the course and the internship serve the community as home-garden horticulture advisors and earn the title Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener.

Please contact me directly at 360-395-2367 or via e-mail at alex.dupont@wsu.edu with questions.

I look forward to meeting you.

Kind Regards,
Alex duPont, Master Gardener Program Coordinator
Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardeners