Washington State's Master Gardener Program: 30 years of leadership in university-sponsored, volunteer-coordinated, sustainable community horticulture

The Master Gardener (MG) program, found throughout the United States and Canada, originated in Washington State to provide high-quality, research-based, educational programming to the gardening public. Washington State MGs are trained by Washington State University (WSU) faculty and other specialists in applied plant and soil sciences. After completing this intensive program, MG trainees must pass subject matter exams and then begin their volunteer activities.Today, over 4000 active WSU MG volunteers provide horticultural assistance to their communities. While MGs increase their scientific knowledge, they also develop communication, management, and leadership skills. With sufficient support from local educational institutions and government, this program can easily be adapted to any community in any country where environmental sustainability is desired.