History of the Master Gardener Program
The Master Gardener Program, launched by Washington State University (WSU) Extension in 1973, has grown into a pioneering force in sustainable community horticulture, driven by university-supported, volunteer-coordinated efforts.
Early Beginnings and Founders
The program’s roots trace back to the early 1970s, when David Gibby and William Scheer, Extension agents at WSU, identified the need for trained volunteers to assist with the increasing number of home gardening inquiries. Sharon Collman and George Pinyuh also played crucial roles in the initial success and development of the program. These early pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a nationwide movement, focusing on educating the public about sustainable gardening practices.
Program Growth and Evolution
As the program gained momentum, it continued to evolve and expand. By 2008, under the leadership of Tonie Fitzgerald, the WSU Extension Statewide Master Gardener Program Leader, the program had made significant strides in training volunteers and promoting sustainable horticulture practices. The updates provided by Sharon Collman in 2017 further highlighted the program’s ongoing impact and its adaptation to modern gardening challenges.
Leadership and Achievements
Throughout its history, the WSU Master Gardener Program has demonstrated leadership in university-sponsored, volunteer-coordinated horticulture. Linda Chalker-Scott and Sharon J. Collman documented the program’s achievements in their work celebrating 30 years of leadership. They emphasized the program’s role in fostering community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the dissemination of research-based gardening knowledge.
Lasting Impact
Today, the Master Gardener Program continues to thrive, with volunteers across the United States and beyond contributing to their communities through education and hands-on gardening projects. The program’s success story is a testament to the power of volunteerism, education, and a shared commitment to sustainable horticulture.
Master Gardener Programs in BC
The Master Gardener Program has also found a strong foothold in British Columbia (BC), Canada, where it continues to promote sustainable gardening practices and community engagement. The Master Gardeners Association of British Columbia (MGABC) oversees the program, which is divided into several chapters across the province, including Prince George.
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program has transformed the way communities approach gardening and environmental stewardship, leaving a lasting legacy of knowledge, leadership, and community engagement. This legacy continues to thrive in British Columbia, particularly in Prince George, where dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to promote sustainable gardening practices and foster a love for horticulture.
References:
- The Master Gardener Program – a WSU Extension success story: Early history from 1973, by David Gibby, William Scheer, Sharon Collman, George Pinyuh, Updated in 2008 by Tonie Fitzgerald
- WSU Extension Statewide Master Gardener Program Leader, Updated in 2017 by Sharon Collman, WSU Emeritus Professor
- Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program: The history of our program. Washington State’s Master Gardener Program: 30 years of leadership in university-sponsored, volunteer-coordinated, sustainable community horticulture, by Linda Chalker-Scott and Sharon J. Collman