What We Do
WSU Extension Master Gardeners are a volunteer community of educators –cultivating plants, people, and communities since 1973. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. We aim to support a sustainable and healthy community by raising funds, planning and hosting educational projects and workshops, and expanding awareness of the WSU Cowlitz County Master Gardener outreach programs. Below is an overview of the programs we fund in Cowlitz County.
Plant and Insect Clinic:
Free Expert Help for Your Garden
Have a gardening question? Just ask! The Plant and Insect Clinic connects you with certified Master Gardeners who provide research-based answers and practical solutions to your gardening questions and challenges.
Our Foundation funds all the research materials and handouts necessary to make our Plant and Insect Clinic a valuable – and free – gardening resource in Cowlitz County.
Demonstration Gardens
Discover our four demonstration gardens in Cowlitz County—living classrooms where we teach fruit tree pruning, youth gardening, and more. Tour the gardens anytime for inspiration on composting, raised beds, native plants, Hugelkultur, flower walls, and beyond.
Our Foundation funds the supplies it takes to run these fully functioning gardens. Everything from tools to seeds and soil, from pots to irrigation infrastructure. It takes a lot to run these gardens, but we believe that getting hands-on with gardening is the best way to learn.
Speakers & Presentations
Sharing knowledge is at the heart of the Master Gardener mission. Our WSU-trained volunteers in Cowlitz County are available—free of charge—to present on gardening and environmental topics.
Our Foundation facilitates speaker connections in our community, and online learning opportunities and content. Explore our topic list to find and request the right fit for your group, or see past presentations in our content library.
Garden Resources
Explore our library of gardening resources! Browse recorded presentations on our YouTube playlists or dive into slides from our weekly noon talks. Topics include growing fruits and vegetables, sustainable landscaping, soils and compost, and pollinators and beneficial insects.
Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, the Foundation supports several programs, including the Raised Bed Giveaway in the early spring, the Annual Plant Sale in the spring, and a fall Series, In the Garden with Master Gardeners. Follow the links to learn more.
