Our Vision, Mission, and Values

From the outset our mission has been to engage university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education. We teach best practices for creating sustainable landscapes that enhance and protect our natural resources and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Each year we train new volunteers, equipping them with foundational knowledge to become horticultural educators in their communities. Trained volunteers must continue their educational development in subsequent years to stay abreast of current research and our ever-changing environment.

The needs of our communities have evolved over the years and Master Gardeners have evolved to meet the challenges of today. Our priorities include growing food for local food banks, improving soil health and conserving water in your landscape, dealing with climate change and many others.

Volunteers engage with communities through a variety of programs. Have a gardening question? Ask it at one of our hundreds of free Answer-Clinics located throughout the state. Do you want to see sustainable gardening in action? Stop by for a tour or attend a workshop at one of our many Demonstration Gardens which demonstrate research-based gardening techniques and inspire young people to love gardening. Do you need a speaker for your organization? Our Speakers’ Bureau volunteers teach topics important to your organizations. These programs and more are designed to further horticulture and environmental stewardship education in your community.