Fifty years ago WSU Extension faculty David Gibby and Bill Scheer had a train-the-trainer idea that they hoped would help them serve in their urban and commercial horticulture roles. The fact that they were on to something was evident when advertisements for the first class of Master Gardener volunteers attracted more than 600 applicants. A grassroots, sociologic movement that started in the metropolitan areas of Washington state was emulated across the United States, and into Canada and South Korea. The Master Gardener Program teaches sustainable gardening practices for the protection of our natural resources and has changed human relationships with insect pests and beneficial insects. Hear how the Extension Master Gardener Program started and learn about how it has adapted over the years to address critical issues that face our local, regional and global communities.
