Master Gardener Foundation of King County

Mission

The purpose of this not-for-profit corporation is to support and supplement the efforts of the Washington State University Extension MASTER GARDENER program and its trained volunteers to provide science-based education and information about horticulture and environmental stewardship to the people of King County.

Description

The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program in King County is a highly successful example of collaboration and partnership between a university, a county foundation, and trained volunteers who serve as citizen-scientists. Last year, Master Gardeners donated nearly 44,000 volunteer hours in King County, making contact with over 60,000 adults and 4,000 youth members of the public. We serve residents of King County through our 37 plant clinics, 13 demonstration gardens, youth and outreach gardens, speakers bureau, classroom programs, classes and workshops. The program is administered by Washington State University Extension (WSU).

The Master Gardener program began in King County in 1973 to address the need of home gardeners for horticultural information. The Foundation was established in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to support and promote the Master Gardener program in King County and help disseminate horticultural information to the public. Today, Master Gardener programs are in all 50 states and many other countries. It is one of the most effective volunteer programs in the United States. Master Gardener volunteers are trained para-professionals who work in the community as horticulture advisers and as resources for home gardeners. In Washington state, Master Gardeners provide research-based information and education, tailored to fit local needs, using resources from WSU and the United States Department of Agriculture and other educational institutions, particularly those located in the Pacific Northwest. Master Gardeners encourage the use of sustainable, environmentally-friendly gardening practices and help urban/rural gardeners, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities get more from their personal spaces and community gardens.

Help Us Invest in a Greener Tomorrow

The Master Gardener Foundation of King County raises funds to support the WSU Extension King County Master Gardener Program. Extension Master Gardeners are university-trained local volunteers who provide relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education to help our diverse local communities address priorities such as:

Increasing food security by learning how    to grow food. ​	Improving pollinator health and habitat by lea​rning to create pollinator-friendly environments.	Promoting fire resistant neighborhoods, water-wise landscapes and clean water initiatives.

See Our Extension Master Gardeners in Action

Our Shorewood High School Culinary Arts Garden, in partnership with educators at the school, launched an exceptional, inclusive gardening program last year for students with diverse special needs. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Each week, Extension Master Gardener volunteers facilitate customized class plans offering a spectrum of hands-on projects for students, including planting, weeding, composting, harvesting, painting and repairs. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Special Education instructor Carlotta Han is excited about how the class develops both social and emotional characteristics, including “teamwork, taking turns, asking for help, and pride.” Students are excited about harvesting herbs and vegetables, and take pride in hand-delivering them to Culinary Arts instructor Wendy Jordan. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The class helps these students to feel integrated into the larger school community and builds their confidence as they learn to contribute in new and meaningful ways. This great collaboration is a continuation of our long and productive relationship with the faculty and students at Shorewood High School. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

 You Can Help King County Communities Thrive This GiveBIG!

This GiveBIG, your donation to The Master Gardener Foundation of King County plants more than seeds—it grows knowledge, resilience, and healthier communities. The Foundation furnishes critical financial support for the WSU Extension King County Master Gardener Program, so their dedicated volunteers can continue providing trusted, science-based gardening education to home gardeners and communities across King County. Our Extension Master Gardener volunteers help communities improve food security, protect pollinators, conserve water resources, and garden sustainably in a changing climate.

Your GiveBIG gift makes this work possible. Whether it supports free plant diagnostic clinics, laboratory resources, youth education programs, or outreach in under-served areas, every dollar helps our volunteers to educate, inspire, and serve communities across King County.

GiveBIG today and help us cultivate a greener, healthier future—together.

 Donate now during GiveBIG and make your impact grow!