Important Links
Plant and & Garden Questions in the Metro Area
Volunteer Web Portal
Master Gardener Program Description
The Context for the Metro Master Gardener Mission:
Urban areas are expanding rapidly as population growth and changing demographics spur urban expansion and suburban sprawl. The process of development usually diminishes the capacity of the built environment to provide the ecosystem services (clean water, clean air, healthy food, stable climate, renewable energy and building materials, biodiversity, recreation, aesthetics, etc) on which we depend. Thus, urbanization and development contribute to decreased quality of life for people as the functional characteristics of ecosystems are diminished.
Fortunately, many of these social and environmental problems can be addressed by integrating plants into the landscape and peoples' lives in a way that provides for and enhance ecosystem services. We can grow our own future!
Growing plants in well-designed ways can increase our quality of life by:
- Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen and water into the atmosphere through the processes of photosynthesis and evapotranspiration.
- Reducing flooding and cleaning stormwater by absorbing water into the soil through vegetated infiltration areas (rain gardens, bioswales, living roofs, etc).
- Moderating climate and reducing the heat-island effect of buildings and roads.
- Building soil overtime and protecting it from erosion.
- Providing us with healthy and nutritious food grown by local people.
- Creating opportunities for meaningful employment.
- Contributing to the local economy.
- Creating habitat for life (biodiversity) to exist and thrive in urban areas.
- Providing people with aesthetic, cultural, and recreational services.
- Creating countless educational opportunities for all citizens.
The Metro Master Gardener Program educates the public about all aspects of growing and caring for plants. We grow people who grow the future!
The Master Gardener Educational Program
The Portland metro area Master Gardener educational program is designed to provide residents of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties with the gardening information, resources, and training that they need to affect positive change in their communities. We offer a positive and practical education in sustainable gardening that includes the MG volunteer program. The MG training and volunteer practicum gives participants the knowledge, tools, skills, and support that they need to effectively communicate about all aspects of sustainable gardening with diverse audiences in the metro area.
There are currently two options available for gardening enthusiasts to participate in the OSU Extension Master Gardener program in the Portland metro area:
1. The Master Gardener Training Program is a comprehensive course in sustainable gardening, which includes both a 66-hour training and 50-hour practicum as part of our Volunteer Program.
2. The Master Gardener Certificate Program is designed for professionals working in the nursery and landscaping industry and does not include the volunteer time associated with our other program.
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