Impacting
communities
Throughout this site there are links to documents of various file types. Please contact our Statewide Program Leader if you require this information in a different format.
We are community educators
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program remains committed to advancing sustainable gardening, environmental stewardship, and resilient communities. In 2024, we continue evolving to meet community needs, ensuring accessible, science-based education for all.
Volunteers are at the heart of this mission, addressing critical issues such as pollinator health, climate resilience, and food security while strengthening natural resource conservation efforts. As we look ahead, we embrace technical innovation, and collaborative learning to adapt to a changing world.
With strong leadership, volunteer dedication, and the support of our communities, we are poised to grow and thrive—continuing to make a lasting impact for future generations.
Jennifer Marquis
Statewide Program Leader
Public Value
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program plays a vital role in building a resilient Washington by educating communities on sustainable gardening, climate adaptation, and ecosystem stewardship. As part of Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, the program empowers individuals to make environmentally sound choices that strengthen landscapes and communities.
2024 by the numbers
Read about Extension Master Gardeners in the news around Washington state.
- 3,079 Certified volunteers.
- 570 new volunteers trained.
- Volunteers gave 318,134 hours of their time to WSU and the communities served.
- Volunteers earned 43,223 hours of continuing education.
- 3,163 plant clinics offered across the state answered 49,453 questions.
- 8,700 residents learned about soil health.
- 11,454 residents learned about pollinators.
- 17,769 residents learned about vegetable gardening.
- 6,589 residents learned about water conservation and water quality.
- 9,082 residents learned about ecosystem biodiversity.
- 3,962 residents learned about climate change.
- 13,154 residents learned about the health benefits of being in and around plants and nature.
- 1,144 residents learned about wildfire preparedness.
The following documents are meant to be downloaded and printed only.
Printable 2024 Annual Impact Report
WSU Extension Master Gardener Program volunteers mitigate climate change by equipping communities with practical skills for growing resilient landscapes while helping to maintain sustainable natural resources. Read more…
WSU Extension Master Gardeners protect water quality by teaching the community eco-friendly pest management practices, ensuring a healthier environment while helping to maintain sustainable natural resources. Read more…
WSU Extension Master Gardeners improve water conservation efforts by teaching gardeners practical ways to save water, while also helping to maintain sustainable natural resources. Read more…
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program improves food access, supports individual and community health and wellness, and contributes to a secure food supply system for a resilient Washington. Read more…
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program’s educational initiatives significantly enhance understanding of how to protect pollinators while helping to maintain sustainable natural resources. Read more…
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program educates individuals on soil health, fostering resilient ecosystems and vibrant landscapes while promoting environmental sustainability and helping to maintain sustainable natural resources. Read more…
WSU Extension Master Gardener Program volunteers significantly enhance community resilience by actively engaging with people, plants, green spaces, and public landscapes—supporting thriving, healthy communities, families, and individuals through education and sustainable practices. Read more…
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program plays a vital role in our communities. Through its educational efforts, it empowers individuals, fosters a resilient environment, helps maintain sustainable natural resources, and supports plant biodiversity to strengthen ecosystems. Read more…
WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers decrease the risk of wildfire damage by teaching fire-resistant landscaping principles, while also helping to maintain sustainable natural resources through responsible land management and conservation practices. Read more…
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference underscores the program’s dedication to educating volunteers with the latest science-based gardening information while creating an adaptable workforce equipped to address evolving environmental and community needs. Read more…
The Evergreen Thumb Podcast connects communities with expert gardening and environmental stewardship insights. Produced by WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and supported by the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State, it promotes sustainable practices and strengthens nationwide resilience. Read more…
Funding for the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is essential to sustaining research-based education, volunteer training, and community outreach that strengthen environmental stewardship and public well-being. Investments in the program ensure access to science-backed gardening resources, support sustainable natural resource management, and promote resilient communities across Washington. Read more…
