Community Value in Action
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We are community educators
Public Value
Gardening is one of America’s most popular pastimes, with nearly 80% of households participating in a $14‑billion annual market, and the choices people make in their gardens have far‑reaching impacts. Through science‑based education and volunteer service, the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program helps residents make informed decisions that protect natural resources while improving the health of individuals, families, and communities.
Research consistently shows that gardens and green spaces around homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and business districts increase property values, support student academic performance, and promote patient healing. Access to nature also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, strengthening mental and emotional well‑being.
2025 by the numbers
- 3,526 Certified volunteers.
- 678 new volunteers trained.
- Volunteers gave 316,854 hours of their time to WSU and the communities served.
- Volunteers earned 40,307 hours of continuing education.
- 3,870 plant clinics offered across the state answered 63,008 questions.
- 8,074 residents learned about soil health.
- 10,225 residents learned about pollinators.
- 15,877 residents learned about vegetable gardening.
- 8,686 residents learned about water conservation and water quality.
- 7,404 residents learned about ecosystem biodiversity.
- 2,264 residents learned about climate change.
- 11,172 residents learned about the health benefits of being in and around plants and nature.
- 1,119 residents learned about wildfire preparedness.
- 127,829 Washingtonians served.
As we move into 2026, the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program continues to grow its role as a trusted source of research‑based gardening education and community resilience. Our focus remains on helping Washington residents cultivate healthier landscapes, protect natural resources, and strengthen the connection between people and the environment.
Volunteers drive this work forward every day. Their commitment supports efforts to safeguard pollinators, adapt to a changing climate, improve nutrition security, and encourage sustainable gardening practices in every corner of the state.
This year, we are deepening our investment in innovative teaching tools, accessible learning opportunities, and partnerships that amplify community impact.
With dedicated volunteers, strong program leadership, and the ongoing support of our partners and communities, the Master Gardener Program is well‑positioned for the year ahead—ready to inspire, educate, and empower Washingtonians while nurturing a more resilient future for all.
Jennifer Marquis
Statewide Program Director
73%
Employ water conservation practices
Resilient Gardening programming decreases water consumption. 19,600 adults and youth learned about water conserving gardening practices through 2,600 educational outreach events.
73%
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
Nutrition Security Programming improves nutrition. 34,200 adults and youth sought science-based information on growing food through nearly 26,000 Ask a Master Gardener plant clinics and 3,400 educational outreach events.
80%
Enjoy improved health and wellness by connecting with plants
People and Plants programming improves individual, family and community health. 20,000 adults and youth learned about health and wellness benefits derived from plants through 2,500 educational outreach events.
