San Juan County is pleased to present the monthly series County Compass: Navigating Civic Participation that shares ways to understand County systems, get involved with local government, and be an informed resident.
San Juan County partners with Washington State University Extension to provide residents with resources and opportunities to learn and grow. WSU Extension is dedicated to strengthening the community by providing education, applied research, and a connection to university-based information and resources.
The County-based programs provide community education in agriculture, pest identification and management, home horticulture, forest resource management, environmental stewardship, and 4-H youth development.
Learn about their programs below!
Master Gardeners: WSU Master Gardeners are available throughout the year on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands to answer your gardening questions. Whether you have questions about your soil, have a problem with your fruit trees, or are thinking about starting a garden, volunteers will be happy to provide you with the research-based information you need. Master Gardeners also take plant and insect samples to accurately diagnose problems. You’ll find the Master Gardeners at Q&A Tables around the county, May through September:
- Orcas: Every other Wednesday, 12pm-2pm, Orcas Island Library
- Lopez: Saturdays, 11am-1pm, May-June at Sunset Builders Supply
- San Juan: Saturdays, 10am-12pm, demo garden near the Family Resource Center on Market St.
You can train to be a Master Gardener yourself! The program offers training opportunities for volunteers to gain horticultural knowledge, meet other gardeners, learn plant and insect diagnostics, and connect with the community.
Master Gardeners also organize an annual garden workshop series, plant sales, demonstration gardens and more.
Program Contact: Caitlin Blethen, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, (360) 370-7663, mg.sanjuancounty@wsu.edu
Food Preservation: Whether you are new to food preservation, or have been preserving food for many years, the program aims to provide you with helpful recipes and trusted sources of publications and literature.
Program Contact: Jennie Bryan-Goforth, Food Safety and Preservation Coordinator, 360-395-2359, j.bryan-goforth@wsu.edu
Agriculture: The County’s WSU Extension Ag Program supports the vibrant farm community and food system by providing education on issues and topics important to agriculture in San Juan County. The program emphasizes practical, research-based information from WSU and other educational institutions and authorities. Priorities are identified through listening sessions, surveys, program evaluations and direct contacts. The Ag Program also hosts the annual Agriculture Summit, an annual countywide gathering connecting farmers, ranchers, and the food and agricultural community from across the islands to exchange insights, draw inspiration, and collectively envision the future of agriculture in our region.
Program Contact: Rebecca Moore, Agriculture Program Coordinator, (360) 370-7664, rebecca.moore1@wsu.edu
4-H program: 4-H is a youth development program sponsored by WSU. With clubs on each island, 4-H offers positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity—the Essential Elements—and to foster educational opportunities tied to the land–grant university knowledge base. You’ll see 4-H clubs at this year’s County Fair, August 15-18, 2024.
Program Contact: San Juan County 4-H Program, 360-370-7662, sanjuan.4-h@wsu.edu
Forestry program: The North Puget Sound Region WSU Extension Forestry Program provides education and outreach opportunities for San Juan County residents including coached planning forest stewardship courses, e-newsletters, and field days.
Program Contact: Kevin Zobrist, Extension Forestry, 425-231-4524,kevin.zobrist@wsu.edu
Visit San Juan County WSU Extension website for more information: https://extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/