Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County

Tomato Pruning Workshop – (In-person, hands on)
2024-07-13 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
You prune your fruit trees and your shrubs, but should you prune your tomato plants? Join WSU Clark County Extension Master Gardeners for a hands-on training on tomato pruning. This workshop will clarify which types of tomato plants need pruning and will provide instruction on when and how to prune. The class is conducted entirely in the field. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Bring bypass hand pruners; participants will work in small groups receiving hands-on instruction on pruning techniques. Dress for the weather and bring water. Saturday, July 13 from 9 to 11:30am. Vancouver (Hazel Dell). Specific location provided upon registration. Cost: $5. Accessing the site requires a short walk on uneven ground. Those with mobility issues may drive. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tomato-pruning-workshop-tickets-926133037847. Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

MGFCC Board meeting
2024-07-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-12-12 09:00 - 12:00
Monthly foundation board meeting (normally on zoom). Periodically some board meetings are held in person. Contact mgfclark@gmail.com for information on attending a board meeting.
Zoom link to attend MGFCC Board meetings in 2026 is
https://wsu.zoom.us/j/98352533973?pwd=[REDACTED]

On the Road Tour – Blooming Clematis and Historic Gardens
2024-06-26 08:30 - 16:30
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an On-the-Road-Tour and leave the driving to us! Our tour includes two spectacular locations. The Rogerson Clematis Garden is located at Lusher Farm in West Linn. Our 2-hour visit there will include a tour of the gardens and greenhouse and an opportunity to explore the charming farm and purchase plants. Next up is lunch at Dub’s Tavern in Tualatin, where we’ll dine in the patio area.
Our second destination of the day is Elk Rock Garden at Bishop’s Close and Lady McDonald’s Garden located three doors down, in the Dunthorpe area of Portland. Our host promises many rare trees and plants. (In 2016, The Portland Garden Club submitted extensive written and photographic documentation of the garden which it nominated for designation as a Rare Plant Garden by the Smithsonian. Vans depart Enterprise at 8:30 sharp and return at 4:30pm. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/895569280827?aff=oddtdtcreator by June 17. Cost: $35. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu/ 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

The Resilient Yard; Protecting Pollinators from the Effects of Climate Change Workshop
2024-06-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Luke Jensen Sports Complex Bud van Cleve Community Room, 4000 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA, 98665, United States
The changing climate affects us all, and pollinating animals are no exception. There are actions you can take in your garden to help them. Join Master Gardeners Angelina Lai and Karen Palmer for a presentation on how the changing climate affects pollinators and the plants upon which they…and in turn we…depend. They’ll offer ideas on steps you can take to help. June 4, from 6 to 7:30pm at the Luke Jensen Sports Complex Bud van Cleve Community Room; 4000 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA 98665. Free. Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/ for more details. Put on in partnership with Clark County Public Health Green Neighbors Program.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Series – May 31 AND June 1
2024-05-31 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-05-31 12:00 - 2024-06-01 14:00
Increase the beauty and productivity of your fruit trees with this informative, two-part, hands-on pruning class by locally renowned fruit tree expert, Monica Maggio. Timely pruning can improve the shape, strength, and fruit set of your trees, and help reduce pest and disease pressure. Part One is a Friday evening lecture, delivered via Zoom, that will cover general pruning theory. Friday, May 31 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm via Zoom. Part Two is a Saturday in-field session that includes experiential instruction on specific techniques to help you learn how to make the best cuts on your fruit trees with confidence and skill. Saturday, June 1 from 12noon to 2pm Vancouver, WA (Exact location provided upon registration). Cost: $50. Dress for weather, physical activity and uneven ground. Bring water. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-fruit-tree-pruning-workshop-series-tickets-857454829477?aff=oddtdtcreator. As the date approaches you will receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting.

Pollinator Posse
2024-05-25 09:00 - 11:30
You’ve likely heard about the recent decline in bee populations. And you probably know that bees and other pollinators play an essential role in food production – making possible, development of all variety of fruits, vegetables, coffee, chocolate, beer and wine and more. Did you know that you play an important role in helping to support our local native pollinators?!
There are simple actions you can take to provide food, shelter, water and space for a wide variety of beautiful and interesting-to-watch pollinating insects and birds. And the bonus is a beautiful addition to your home landscape. Join the Pollinator Posse! This introductory level, small, interactive, group learning session put on by the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program will introduce you to our pollinators and the plants upon which they depend. Get ideas on how to start a pollinator garden. This is an introductory workshop. Saturday, May 25 from 9am to 11:30am. Vancouver (Hazel Dell). Free. Space is limited. Registration required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pollinator-posse-tickets-877516654937. Put on in partnership with Clark County Public Health Green Neighbors Program. Participants will receive flower seeds and pollinator plants to take home. Bee the Change. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu/ 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

On the Road Tour – All a-Buzz Blooms
2024-05-23 08:30 - 16:30
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an on-the-road- tour and leave the driving to us! Our first stop is Smart Bee Pollination and La Center Gardens & Family Farm, two complementary farms next door to each other. Smart Bee Pollination’s honeybees pollinate flowers throughout the PNW and the neighboring Farm. Owner and third-generation beekeeper, Viktor Plyushchev Jr., will give a talk on bees.
The Parson family owns La Center Gardens & Family Farm, growing daffodils, tulips, lilies, sunflowers and more. John Parsons will give us a on his Farm. Up next is La Center Tree farm. A u-cut Christmas tree farm for the last 22 years, they will be transitioning to timber land to preserve open space, improve wildlife habitat and benefit future generations. Steve Boynton will give us a talk on his vision. Lunch on your own (no sack lunches) at Los Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant.
Last stop is Tsugawa Nursery, they have over five acres of retail space, they specialize in Japanese maples, bonsai and water gardens. There we’ll learn what native plants are the best pollinators.
Vans depart Enterprise at 8:30 sharp and return at 4:30pm. Cost: $35. Register by May 14 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-road-tour-all-a-buzz-blooms-tickets-876077430177.
Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu/ 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Don’t Buy That Plant! 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Out New Plants Learn & Serve Workshop
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00
In a world of infinite choices, it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to selecting plants for our ornamental gardens or containers. Join Master Gardener Cindy Combs for a fun and engaging presentation on what, when and where to buy plants that will have you shopping with confidence. Following the 45-minute workshop, attendees will be asked to provide 45 minutes of service in the demonstration garden. The event will go on rain or shine! Please dress for the weather, bring water, and plan to get a bit dirty. May 18 from 10am to Noon. East Vancouver. Specific location provided upon registration. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dont-buy-that-plant-10-mistakes-to-avoid-when-picking-out-plants-workshop-tickets-877504257857?aff=oddtdtcreator. Free.
This workshop is put on in collaboration with Clark County Public Works Green Neighbors Program. Contact: erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Mother's Day Plant Sale!
2024-05-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-11 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-10 09:00 - 15:00
Our annual Mother’s Day weekend plant sale is coming soon!
Friday, May 10th 9:00am – 2:30pm by appointment only
Saturday, May 11th 9:00am – 2:30pm by appointment only
Sunday, May 12th 10:00am – 1:00pm, open to the public, no appointments needed
Links to sign up will be sent to foundation members April 5th, the link to sign up for shopping appointments will be posted on our plant sale page April 19th (https://clark.mastergardenerfoundation.org/plant-sale/)
Check out plant sale web page for more information. Plant lists and additional information will be posted as the plant sale gets close.

Get Growing – Introduction to Vegetable Gardening Workshop – Hands-on
2024-05-03 12:00 - 15:30
You can grow the delicious, fresh, healthy, vegetables you’ve always wanted to! Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for a fully hands-on, workshop on vegetable gardening. Saturday, May 3 from 12noon to 3:30pm in Hazel Dell (Vancouver), WA. Participants will learn about site selection, soil preparation, crop selection, pest and disease management, irrigation, and more. This is a fully hands-on outdoor event. Dress for the weather. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. This class is geared for those with no or little experience gardening. Cost: $10. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-growing-introduction-to-vegetable-gardening-tickets-863139823447. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu or 564-397-5738.

The Sun has Spots. Come See Them at the Heritage Farm!
2024-04-24 09:00 - 11:00
2024 is a big year for the sun! Every 11 years the sun’s magnetic pole flips. Leading up to this event is a period of increased solar activity – from sunspots and solar flares to spectacular northern lights.
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners for a free daytime telescope viewing event for the whole family. All are welcome; educational content will be geared toward elementary school-aged children. Saturday, August 17
9am to 11am. Vancouver (Hazel Dell area.) Specific location provided upon registration.
Safely view the sun through a telescope. Learn about sunspots – what they are and why they are happening now. Tell the time using a human sundial. Learn about the solar system and the sun as the base of the food web. Attendees will move in small groups through four interactive educational stations – all revolving around the sun.
You should not look directly at the sun. Guidance will be provided for safe sunspot viewing.

This event will take place fully outside. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Space is limited. Please do not register if you aren’t sure you can attend. No pets except service animals.

This event is put on with the support of Rose City Astronomers (https://www.rosecityastronomers.net/). Register at https://forms.gle/CFqMJ6iptFVQ6Y4C8. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu or 564-397-5738

On the Road Tour – Spring Blooms
2024-04-23 08:50 - 16:30
Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for a Spring Blooms specialty nursery tour and leave the driving to us! Our first stop is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. Wander through the fields viewing over 100 varieties of tulips. We will have the opportunity to visit the gift shop and tulip display beds where we can view flowering bulbs matching the tulip bulb catalog. We will be able to order your favorites for fall planting. Owner Barbara Iverson will give us a talk about the farm, its history and tulip information.

Up next is Bauman’s Farm, a family-owned Farm with over 40,000 sq ft of retail nursery space. We will be given a tour of the various spaces and learn the history of the farm. Along with the tour we will enjoy lunch (on your own) in their deli.

Our final stop is Sebright Gardens where they carry several hundred varieties of hostas and over a hundred varieties of Ferns and Epimediums each. At Sebright Gardens there are four acres of gardens and landscaping for their guests to enjoy and shop through. Along with hostas, ferns, and epimediums, visitors to the lovely gardens can also purchase companion shade plants and other unusual perennials.

Vans depart Enterprise (Hazel Dell) at 8:50 sharp and return at 4:30pm. Cost: $35. Register by April 16 at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-road-tour-spring-blooms-tickets-810716995357

Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu/ 564-397-5738.

Common Stinging Wasps Around the Home: Management Options
2024-04-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Three Creeks Library, 800 NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
Would you like to know the difference between a wasp that might sting and those that are unable or unlikely to sting? How about do-it-yourself wasp management options that help you reduce the risk of being stung while also minimizing impact on the environment?
Attend this seminar to learn more about what you can do before you call a pest management professional or apply a pesticide. We will go over the physical appearance and biological differences between common wasps around the home and yard, and effective methods for homeowners to reduce encounters with stinging wasps.
Emphasis will be on integrated pest management for homeowners: non-chemical options to prevent and suppress common stinging wasps, and the judicious use of least-toxic chemical options as a last resort. Saturday, April 20th from 3 to 4:45pm at Three Creeks Library. FREE! No registration necessary.
About the presenter: Jennifer L. Snyder is an entomologist by training and profession. She has over 10 years professional experience working with schools, Native American groups, homeowners, and communities on pests in the built environment. Her past employment includes Cooperative Extension in Arizona and Oregon, the pest management industry, and non-profit organizations. Jennifer earned her Master’s in Entomology from Oregon State University. This workshop is put in on collaboration with Clark County Public Works Green Neighbors Program. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738.

Grape Pruning Workshop
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver, WA, United States
Imagine having sweet and colorful table or wine grapes growing right in your own backyard. And what if you could start your own vines through cuttings taken from other vines? Grapevines are wonderful producers of luscious fruit, but they require consistent annual pruning to be at their best. Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners for a hands-on workshop on young (1- to 3-year-old) grapevine pruning and propagation. Participants may take cuttings home if desired.

Step one: view a short video from the comfort of your home. Step two: join us in-person at our demonstration vineyard to practice your skills. This entails a 5 – to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them. This event is fully outside. Space is limited and participants will work in small groups.
Saturday, March 16 from 10am to noon. Cost: $10. No admission without advance registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-introductory-grape-pruning-workshop-tickets-832758000597?aff=oddtdtcreator.
For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Hosting Mason Bees in your Backyard Workshop
2024-03-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Camas Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, wa, 98607
Would you like to attract mason bees to your backyard? These non-aggressive native bees are easy to raise at little cost and much enjoyment. Join a presentation by WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Anne Bulger for an introductory presentation that will help you to be confident in hosting these native super-pollinators. One participant will win a mason bee house and (empty) nesting tubes! March 9 from 10:30am to noon at the Camas Library. FREE! No registration necessary. Learn more at https://camaspl.org/mason. This workshop is put in on collaboration with Clark County Public Works Green Neighbors Program. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738.

Blueberry Pruning Workshop
2024-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 | 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver, WA, United States
Love juicy, sweet just-picked blueberries from your own bushes? Not sure how to keep them performing at their best? Join Master Gardeners for an in-person hands-on workshop on blueberry pruning.
Join us at our Vancouver area demonstration blueberry field to learn and practice your skills. This entails a 5 – to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them.
Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am to noon. Cost: $10. A limited number of reduced rate tickets are available for those with financial need, by contacting the event organizer. No admission without advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-blueberry-pruning-workshop-tickets-764133643297?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Grape Pruning Workshop
2024-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Imagine having sweet and colorful table or wine grapes growing right in your own backyard. And what if you could start your own vines through cuttings taken from other vines? Grapevines are wonderful producers of luscious fruit, but they require consistent annual pruning to be at their best. Join Master Gardeners for a hands-on workshop on young (1- to 3-year-old) grapevine pruning and propagation. Participants may take cuttings home if desired.

Step one: view a short video from the comfort of your home and then join us in-person at our demonstration vineyard to practice your skills. This entails a 5 – to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them. This event is fully outside. Masks are optional. Space is limited and participants will work in small groups.
Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10am to noon. Cost: $10. A limited number of reduced rate tickets are available for those with financial need, by contacting the event organizer. No admission without advance registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-introductory-grape-pruning-workshop-tickets-764135749597?aff=oddtdtcreator.
For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Pollinator Posse
2024-02-07 17:30 - 20:00
You’ve likely heard about the recent decline in bee populations. And you probably know that bees and other pollinators play an essential role in food production – making possible, development of all variety of fruits, vegetables, coffee, chocolate, beer and wine and more. Did you know that you play an important role in helping to support our local native pollinators?!
There are simple actions you can take to provide food, shelter, water and space for a wide variety of beautiful and interesting-to-watch pollinating insects and birds. And the bonus is a beautiful addition to your home landscape. Join the Pollinator Posse! This introductory level, small, interactive, group learning session put on by the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program will introduce you to our pollinators and the plants upon which they depend. Get ideas on how to start a pollinator garden. This is an introductory workshop. Wednesday, February 7 from 5:30pm to 8pm. Free. Space is limited. Registration required at https://camaspl.org/posse. Put on in partnership with Clark County Public Health Green Neighbors Program. Participants will receive flower seeds and pollinator plants to take home. Bee the Change.

Blueberry Pruning Workshop
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver, WA, United States
Love juicy, sweet just-picked blueberries from your own bushes? Not sure how to keep them performing at their best? Join Master Gardeners for an in-person hands-on workshop on blueberry pruning.
Join us at our Vancouver area demonstration blueberry field to learn and practice your skills. This entails a 5 – to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them.
Thursday, Jan. 25 from 10am to noon. Cost: $10. No admission without advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-in-person-blueberry-pruning-workshop-tickets-764126020497?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

MLK Day Service Event at Pacific Park Natural Demonstration Garden
2024-01-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Natural Demonstration Garden at Pacific Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98684, United States
Make it a day ON, not a day off! Join WSU Clark County Master Gardeners and people from across the county and around the world for a day of community service in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Help spiff up the Natural Demonstration Garden at Pacific Park on Monday, Jan. 15 from 12 to 2pm. We’ll start with a brief tour of the recent design updates and then get to work on winter tasks including weeding, pruning and whatever else is needed. Dress for the weather. Bring water. Tools provided. Please register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-service-event-at-pacific-park-natural-demonstration-garden-tickets-772406818587. The park is located at 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684. HOWEVER, you will want to enter the property from the entrance located off NE 172dn. That puts you at the NE corner of the park where the demonstration garden is. Contact: Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu / 564-397-5738.
