Application Period Commences for WSU Master Gardener Training

WENATCHEE — As the seasons shift towards winter, gardening enthusiasts in the Chelan-Douglas region have a unique opportunity on the horizon. The WSU Extension Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Program is now open for applications for its forthcoming basic training course scheduled to kick off in January.

Becoming a certified WSU Master Gardener entails the successful completion of this comprehensive training, along with fulfilling internship requirements that encompass dedicating 55 volunteer hours during the initial year of enrollment.

The core component of this once-yearly training regimen is rooted in a robust online learning experience offered through Washington State University. Additionally, participants can look forward to weekly in-person classes led by a cadre of experts, including WSU Extension faculty and staff, Master Gardener volunteers, and other specialists in the field.

Local classes are slated to commence on Saturday, Jan. 20. They will continue every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon until April 20. These informative sessions will unfold at the Douglas County Transportation & Land Services building, located at 140 19th St. NW in East Wenatchee. Topics covered throughout the course span a diverse range, encompassing botany and plant identification, soil science, entomology, lawns and herbaceous landscape plants, plant health care, integrated pest management, and plant diagnosis.

The cost associated with this enriching training opportunity is set at $175, with aspiring gardeners encouraged to mark Nov. 15 on their calendars as the application deadline.

The WSU Master Gardener program, tailored for Chelan and Douglas counties, provides an avenue for individuals to expand their horticultural knowledge and connect with like-minded gardening enthusiasts. Beyond the pursuit of gardening expertise, this volunteer group champions environmentally responsible gardening practices and promotes a healthy lifestyle through gardening.

For those eager to embark on this enlightening journey, a letter designed for prospective volunteers, brimming with additional information and an application form, awaits online at bit.ly/trainingMG.

To delve deeper into this exciting opportunity or seek clarification on any inquiries, prospective participants are encouraged to reach out to Marco Martinez, the coordinator for the WSU Master Gardener program serving Chelan and Douglas counties. He can be contacted via email at marco.martinez@wsu.edu or reached by phone at (509) 667-6540.