Join us!
Love gardening? Curious to learn more? Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program brings together people who share a passion for plants and a desire to help others succeed. Through university-based training, you’ll learn the science behind successful gardening and use that knowledge to educate and support gardeners throughout your community.
WSU Extension Washington Green School
Washington Gardener Certificate
This option is designed for individuals who want to expand their gardening knowledge for personal enrichment. Participants receive comprehensive horticultural training and earn a Washington Gardener Certificate upon successful completion of the program. https://greenschool.extension.wsu.edu/sample-page/washington-gardener-certificate/
Please note that completing Green School as a Washington Gardener does not lead to Master Gardener certification or volunteer status.
WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Track
Individuals interested in applying their horticultural knowledge through community service may choose to pursue the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. In addition to completing Green School Washington Gardener Certificate, Master Gardener trainees participate in local volunteer training and internship activities that prepare them to serve as community gardening educators.
If becoming a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer is your goal, we encourage you to apply during the next Master Gardener training application period.
Become a WSU Extension Cowlitz County Master Gardener
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is designed for people who love plants, enjoy learning, and want to share research-based gardening information with their community. Participants come from a wide range of gardening backgrounds—from beginners to experienced gardeners—but all share a curiosity about horticulture and a desire to help others succeed.
As a Master Gardener volunteer, you’ll receive university-based horticulture training and use that knowledge to educate and assist the public through a variety of community outreach programs.
Training Program
Becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer involves three components:
Green School Washington Gardener Certificate
All trainees begin with Green School Washington Gardener Certificate, WSU’s comprehensive horticulture training program. This 20-week course runs from October through February and includes self-paced online lessons, assignments, quizzes, virtual review sessions, and a final exam.
Course topics are tailored to Pacific Northwest gardening and cover subjects such as soils, plant health, insects, wildlife, sustainable gardening practices, and environmental stewardship.
Local Volunteer Training
In addition to Green School, trainees participate in local training activities, including workshops, field trips, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences. These sessions introduce participants to the programs, projects, and volunteer opportunities available in Cowlitz County.
Internship and Volunteer Service
After completing training, participants enter an internship period where they work alongside certified Master Gardeners. Interns gain practical experience answering gardening questions, assisting with educational programs, helping maintain demonstration gardens, and supporting community outreach events.
Interns are expected to complete 50 volunteer service hours during their first year.
Application Process
Applications for the next training class are now open. Applications must be received by August 31, 2026 for training that begins in October 2026.
The application process includes:
- Submission of an online application
- Review and selection of applicants
- Completion of a required background screening for accepted applicants
Stay Connected, Keep Growing
Becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener is more than completing a training course—it’s joining a community of gardeners who continue learning, sharing, and growing together.
After completing Green School and your internship, you’ll become a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer. To maintain certification, volunteers complete at least 25 hours of community service and 10 hours of continuing education each year. There is no fee associated with annual recertification. Whether you’re answering gardening questions, helping at community events, working in demonstration gardens, or attending educational programs, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to stay involved.
Tracking your volunteer and education hours is easy with our online reporting system, making it simple to record your activities and sign up for opportunities. Every hour you contribute helps demonstrate the tremendous impact Master Gardeners have in communities across Washington.
We invite you to explore our 2025 Annual Impact Report and see the difference Master Gardener volunteers make every year in our communities.
Additional Details
Training Course Materials
Participants receive access to a variety of online learning resources and course materials as part of their training. The primary course text, PNW Gardeners Handbook: Growing for the Future, is included with the training program and available in an online format.
No prior horticulture experience is required—just an interest in learning. Those applying for the Master Gardener volunteer track should also have a desire to serve their community through volunteer education. Because much of the coursework is delivered online, participants will need access to a computer, an email account, and reliable high-speed internet service.
Expected Workload
The Master Gardener Volunteer Track is a significant educational and service commitment. Participants should expect to devote approximately 180 hours over an 11-month period to training and volunteer activities.
Program requirements include:
- Completion of the online Green School course (approximately 120 hours)
- Participation in local hands-on training activities, field trips, and workshops (approximately 20 hours)
- Completion of internship volunteer service hours alongside certified Master Gardeners (50 hours inCowlitz County)
During the Green School portion of the program, trainees should plan on spending approximately 6–8 hours per week on coursework, reading assignments, learning activities, and local training sessions
Volunteer Expectations
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program https://greenschool.extension.wsu.edu/home/wgs-course-options/become-an-extension-master-gardener/agreement/ is built on a partnership between volunteers, WSU Extension, and the communities we serve. Program policies and volunteer agreements help define the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all participants so that volunteers can make informed decisions about their involvement.
WSU Extension invests significant resources in training and supporting volunteers. In return, volunteers commit their time, knowledge, and energy to providing research-based gardening education and outreach within their communities.
We value the contributions of our volunteers and strive to create a positive, meaningful, and rewarding experience that supports both personal growth and community service.
Community Education
Community education is the heart of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program. Volunteers share research-based gardening and environmental stewardship information with the public through a variety of educational activities and outreach programs.
Educational efforts are guided by WSU Extension priorities and focus on our Program Priorities https://mastergardener.wsu.edu/priorities/ –Topics that help residents create healthy gardens, protect natural resources, and make environmentally responsible gardening decisions. Volunteer opportunities may include answering gardening questions, supporting demonstration gardens, assisting with workshops and presentations, participating in community events, and helping with youth and adult education programs.
The incredible energy that WSU Extension Master Gardeners pour into their work says it all: programs like this change lives and lift up entire neighborhoods. When you listen to why these volunteers get involved, you quickly realize this isn’t just about growing plants—it’s a multi-layered experience that rewards everyone involved in a dozen different ways.
Keep Learning
One of the greatest rewards of being a WSU Extension Master Gardener is that the learning never stops. From new research and emerging pests to innovative gardening techniques, you’ll continue expanding your knowledge through workshops, field trips, guest speakers, and continuing education opportunities.
More than Gardening—it’s the people
Ask almost any Master Gardener what they enjoy most about the program, and you’ll probably hear the same answer: the people. You’ll find a welcoming community of gardeners who love to learn, share ideas, lend a hand, and celebrate each other’s successes. Along the way, you’ll build friendships that often last for years.
Make a Difference
Every volunteer hour helps strengthen our community. Whether you’re answering gardening questions, mentoring new gardeners, maintaining demonstration gardens, or inspiring the next generation, you’ll be sharing trusted, research-based information that helps others succeed
Be Part of Something Meaningful
It’s rewarding to know your knowledge makes a difference. WSU Extension Master Gardeners are recognized as trusted gardening resources, and volunteers take pride in helping create healthier gardens, stronger communities, and a more sustainable environment.
Grow with Purpose
Many volunteers join because they love plants—but they stay because of the purpose they find in serving others. Sharing your passion for gardening while giving back to your community creates lasting connections and a sense of accomplishment that continues year after year.