About the Master Gardener Program
Learn more about OSU Extension Master Gardener program and what a Master Gardener volunteer does. Find out about the impact we make in local communities, and how you can support the program.
Mission
Cultivating resilient and healthy communities throughout Oregon through sustainable horticulture education and gardening projects that are rooted in science and that are supported by OSU Extension volunteers.
Program priorities
Sustainable gardening skills
Teaching horticulture principles and practices that are grounded by research or recognized as best practices.
Plant and insect identification and education
Serving as a public resource for diagnosing plant and insect problems of our region.
Local food
Encouraging the use of sustainable techniques for successfully growing local food, food access and food security.
Native species
Promoting native species conservation and addressing concerns regarding invasive species and invasive species management, promoting ways to help native bees and other pollinators thrive in home and community landscapes.
Adaptive and accessible gardening
Promoting and educating ways to ensure access to gardening for all ages, abilities and communities.
Vision
We provide accessible and equitable education programs that nurture life-long learners and volunteers who can expand the reach and impact of science-based sustainable gardening practices to benefit all Oregonians.
Master Gardener wheel of program priorities
Climate change
Teaching ways to create resilient landscapes that are adapted to our changing climate, promoting water-wise gardening practices to conserve water and minimize polluted runoff.
Cultural connection
Partnering with local community groups to create access to plants for physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing, and honoring and uplifting cultural practices and beliefs.
Soil health
Growing knowledge, care and protection of the amazing ecosystem of soil health and its value to our personal health.
What will you be learning?
Check some of the topics you will covered in the Master Gardener program!
Guiding Values
We are connected to Oregon State University, and use both science and local knowledge to inform our community engagement, educational outreach, and horticultural expertise. We strive to make the resources of Oregon State University accessible to all and inspire and encourage lifelong curiosity and learning through continued scientific exploration and discovery.
We are connected to our local communities, and their needs drive the work of our program. We are inclusive, where everyone is welcome, respected, valued and supported. We know that collaboration and partnership with our communities, community organizations, and neighbors make us stronger and that together, we create positive change.
We are connected to our earth, and strive for stewardship and sustainability through horticultural best practices and a conscientious approach to volunteer work in alignment with our program priorities. We aim to improve not only the lives of the people within our communities, but also the land which sustains us, and future generations.
We are driven by a sense of fun, wonder and curiosity for the natural world and a commitment of service to our local communities.