WSU Extension’s Whidbey Gardening Workshop wins international community service award

The Washington State University Extension Island County Master Gardeners are proud to announce that the Whidbey Gardening Workshop has been awarded first place in the David Gibby International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Awards in the category of community service.

Presented by the Extension Master Gardener National Committee, the award recognizes outstanding Master Gardener projects that make meaningful contributions to their communities. For 36 years, the Whidbey Gardening Workshop has been a cornerstone educational event for the Island County Master Gardeners that brings together gardening enthusiasts, experts, and educators from across the Pacific Northwest. Held annually each March in Oak Harbor, the workshop offers a full day of classes, hands-on demonstrations, and a garden marketplace focused on WSU Master Gardener Priorities such as soil health, local food, pollinators, clean water, and more.

The award is named in honor of David Gibby, the founder of the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program. Gibby launched the program in 1973 while working as a horticulture agent with WSU Extension. This year, over 36 applications were submitted across six award categories from 17 state Master Gardener programs. Each project was reviewed by a panel of 31 judges, including Extension professionals and Master Gardener volunteers.

All winning projects will be showcased at the International Master Gardener Conference, held online in late August.

"This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our volunteers," said Loren Imes, program coordinator for the WSU Extension Island County Master Gardener Program. "The Workshop not only helps gardeners grow healthier plants, but also fosters a deeper understanding of how to protect and conserve our natural resources."

Jennifer Marquis, statewide leader of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program adds "This recognition is a proud moment for WSU and a testament to the excellence of our Master Gardener volunteers. The Whidbey Gardening Workshop truly showcases the impact of science-based community education."

The Whidbey Gardening Workshop is sponsored by the Island County Master Gardener Foundation in partnership with WSU Extension. Proceeds from the event support local horticultural education and community outreach programs.

For more information about the Whidbey Gardening Workshop, visit whidbeygardening.org. To learn more about the Master Gardener Program, visit mastergardener.wsu.edu.