Washington State University Thurston County Extension is currently accepting applications for its 2012 Master Gardener volunteer training. 

The WSU Master Gardeners of Thurston County is a volunteer service program. There is a perception that to become a WSU Master Gardener you must know everything about gardening.  This is unrealistic and untrue.  To be a WSU Thurston County Master Gardener you must have gardening experience, but more importantly you must have the commitment to be a lifelong learner and sharer of information.

IMPORTANT: For the first time since 2003 the training classes will be held on alternating Tuesday/Thursday evenings and on one Saturday morning per month. This training format is only for 2012 and will return in 2013 to daytime Friday classes. So don’t delay and apply today if the evening/Saturday format works with your schedule. Classes will be held at South Puget Sound Community College-main campus.

To be considered for one of the limited training spots you must complete an application and attend a pre-orientation session. Pre-orientation sessions are held at the Thurston County Extension Office in West Olympia, directions are included in the attached application packet. At these sessions you will learn what it takes to be a WSU Master Gardener. This includes program expectations as well as all the benefits you will receive being a WSU Master Gardener. The following sessions will allow you to see if the WSU Master Gardener Program is a right fit for you. No pre-registration needed.

• October 28^th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• November 10^th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• November 29^th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• December 7^th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
  

To learn more open the attached application packet or visit our website at http://county.wsu.edu/thurston

Click on the “Gardening” heading on the left side bar and then “Master Gardeners”.