Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Master GardenerTM Volunteer Program
As a trained Master GardenerTM volunteer, you help educate and advise other home gardeners in your community. Many people new to Columbia County as well as inexperienced gardeners are interested in obtaining local gardening advice. Our informative training program focuses on such skills as diagnosing plant and insect problems, preparing soil for planting, identifying plants, and selecting ornamentals and varieties. More importantly, your knowledge gives you the confidence to share expertise with others. Being a Master GardenerTM volunteer is fun, interesting, and rewarding. You will be joining a community of like-minded, fun people, too!
- Become a trained, certified OSU Extension Service Master GardenerTM:
- Help home gardeners solve their plant and pest problems
- Promote environmental responsibility through ecological garden practices including least-toxic pest control
- Beautify the community by teaching about appropriate plants and culture for our climate
- Work with schools and community gardens
To become a certified Master GardenerTM, participants must complete an 11-week training classes (Mondays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and donate 60 hours of volunteer service. You will have a variety of service opportunities available ranging from answering gardening questions from the public to working with schools and community groups. Anyone interested in horticulture can apply to the program.
Master Gardener Application (deadline December 20, 2008)
Become a Master Gardener
The 2009 Master Gardener class is finished. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener please watch for opportunities for 2010 or check out the State Master Gardener program online at ecampus.oregonstate.edu/mastergardener
Certification Requirements
Master Gardeners may remain actively involved as long as they wish. Recertification is required if they participate in garden clinics, but is not required to participate in Master Gardener activities. To maintain the Certified Master Gardener title each Master Gardener volunteer must complete a recertification test each year.
For current Master Gardeners, please remember to turn in your Volunteer Log Sheet (PDF or Word Doc, sample).
Columbia County Master Gardener Association
Many volunteers become members of the Columbia County Master GardenerTM Association which holds monthly meetings to enhance knowledge, plan activities, and socialize.
The Columbia County Master GardenerTM Association is part of the non-profit Oregon Master GardenerTM Association. Anyone who has completed the Master GardenerTM training program and who wishes to join is welcome.
Membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month September through June. Meetings are mostly held at the Columbia County Extension office. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The purpose of the Association is to:
- Enhance and supplement the Oregon State University Home Horticulture Program (Master Gardener Program);
- Educate Chapter Members and our local community about plant selection, culture and care;
- Maintain and continue to build an active Columbia County Chapter of Master Gardeners; and
- Encourage continuing education and recertification of Master Gardeners.
