Volunteer Programs
WSU Master Gardeners
A Washington State certified WSU Master Gardener is a volunteer who has completed 12 weeks of classroom training in all phases of horticulture as related to the management of landscapes and gardens in a science-based, sustainable manner. A WSU Master Gardener has been taught how to address environmental and social priorities which include:
- expanded public awareness of the value of home and public landscapes,
- appropriate plant selection,
- integrated pest management,
- water conservation,
- greater use of native plants,
- water quality protection, and
- reducing the impact of invasive species
WSU Growing Groceries Mentor Program
Growing Groceries Mentors are gardeners who share their passion for gardening in increasing community access to healthy foods.
Trainees attend a four-part training designed to provide skills to help train others to grow produce in school, community, and senior/assisted living center gardens across Clark County. Sessions include topics such as:
- Mentoring – what it is, and what makes a mentoring experience successful.
- Working in gardens – which crops perform the best, and ways to save money.
- Sustainability – how to create healthy soil, conserve natural resources, and ensure a good harvest year after year.
- Working with diverse groups – understanding and overcoming language, age, and disability challenges.
Trainings are held on alternating Saturdays starting in January, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A $35 fee includes course materials. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Limited tuition assistance may be available.
To register online, visit https://ocrs.wsu.edu/Signup/?eventid=892
4-H and Youth Development
The mission of the 4-H Youth Development Program is to help young people grow into responsible, contributing citizens. To reach this goal, 4-H has developed educational materials that emphasize development of life skills in young people through fun, hands-on projects. The 4-H educational materials are developed by education specialists, and updated approximately every 5 years to keep the content fresh and relevant. Each leader and member manual is full of directions for fun, hands-on activities that, at the same time, teach critical life skills.
Watershed Stewards
Local residents receive 10 weeks of training filled with information on wildlife, plant life, water quality, and restoration work in Clark County. In return, Watershed Stewards volunteer 40 hours in outreach and education, conducting community workshops, presenting watershed information to youth, restoring Clark County streams, monitoring local surface water quality, or other projects. Make a difference in your community today and become a Watershed Steward!
Consider volunteering! Request training information.
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