As winter slowly loosens its grip and our minds turn toward the growing season ahead, I’ve been reflecting on a February filled with meaningful conversations and the inspiring dedication of our volunteers.
February at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
One of the highlights of the month was spending time with our WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival. This annual gathering is always a reminder of the curiosity, creativity, and shared commitment to sustainable gardening that runs deep throughout Washington.
Our volunteers engaged with guests on a wide range of gardening questions, and the most energizing conversations centered around integrated pest management (IPM)—a cornerstone of our program. It was wonderful to see festival visitors eager to learn about environmentally responsible ways to care for their landscapes, reduce pesticide use, and protect pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
Standing alongside volunteers as they educated and inspired attendees reaffirmed how vital their expertise is to our mission. Their enthusiasm made our booth a true hub of learning and community connection.
What’s Ahead in March
March is shaping up to be a month of focus, planning, and collaboration within our statewide program.
Annual Report
We’ll be dedicating a significant portion of March to finalizing the program’s annual report. This is an important opportunity to look back on the impact of our volunteers, highlight accomplishments across our counties, and ensure we are telling a clear and compelling story about the value of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program statewide.
Finishing Green School
We are also wrapping up this year’s Green School efforts. Learners completed their final during the last two weeks of February. Extension Master Gardener track learners will now dive into their local volunteer training, learning how to apply their newfound horticulture knowledge as they begin serving their communities as WSU Extension Master Gardeners.
Policy and Procedure Manual Update
Another priority for March and into early April is updating our policy and procedure manual to make it more accessible and easier to use for volunteers, coordinators, and county offices. Ensuring clarity and consistency across our statewide program supports everyone in delivering mission‑aligned work with confidence.
Regionalization Conversations
Lastly—and importantly—I’ll be engaging in critical conversations with county coordinators and key partners about regionalization. This is a vital step in exploring how we can best support counties, share resources, and strengthen continuity across Washington. These conversations will shape our systems and structures moving forward, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful engagement I’ve already seen from leaders across the state.
As always, I’m inspired by the passion of our volunteers and staff. Thank you for your dedication to horticulture education, environmental stewardship, and building resilient communities across Washington. I look forward to growing together in the months ahead. If there’s anything you’d like to hear more about in future posts—or if there’s a story from your county you’d like to share—please reach out. Washington truly grows best when we grow together.