Growing Knowledge

Your Guide to the 2025 Conference Schedule

MGFWS Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony

Live session: Friday, 9:00 – 10:45AM

As we kick off the 2025 WSU Extension Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference (AEC), please join us for the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State annual meeting to learn what the foundation has accomplished and goals for the future.
The meeting will be followed by the annual awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of several extraordinary WSU Master Gardener volunteers. Learn about our 2024 award recipients.

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Larry Weaner standing next to a tree
Photo credit Kim Sokoloff

Welcome & Keynote Presentation

Living in the Liberated Landscape

Larry Weaner

Friday, 10:50AM – 12:20PM
Live presentation


Live Sessions 1 and 2: Friday, September 26

Friday, September 26

Session 1 *1:00-2:30 PM

Session 2 *2:40-4:10 PM

Session 3 **1:00-5:15 PM

*Sessions 1 and 2 will be live events dedicated to enhancing Extension Master Gardener Skills, streamed as part of the Shared Learning Experience (SLE) gatherings, and accessible to all participants, including those who view the presentations virtually from home.

**Session 3 offers four recorded classes for those who prefer an on-demand learning option.

Saturday, September 27

Session 4 9:00-10:15 AM

Session 5 10:30-11:45 AM

Session 6 12:15-1:30 PM

Session 7 1:45-3:00PM

All sessions will be recorded and accessible to registered participants until February 28, 2026.

Sunflower with bee
Dave Hofeditz

Deryn Davidson & Katie Dunker

Landscape for Life: Bringing Sustainable Practices to Life in Demonstration Gardens

Live session 1:00-2:30 PM

This session introduces the Landscape for Life program, a collaboration between the U.S. Botanic Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Colorado State University Extension. Designed for Master Gardeners, it explores how sustainable landscaping principles—such as soil health, water management, plant selection, and biodiversity—can be applied through demonstration gardens to educate communities.
Attendees will gain access to valuable resources, learn strategies for engaging the public through workshops and signage, and discover how to facilitate Landscape for Life content in their local initiatives. Whether refining an existing garden or starting fresh, this session provides the tools to make sustainable landscaping a visible and impactful community effort.

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Bryce Battisti

Lesson Plans for Program Priorities

Live session 2:40-4:10 PM

This interactive session will guide Master Gardener volunteers in creating impactful lesson plans aligned with Program Priorities. We will explore key components of effective lesson design, including
setting clear learning outcomes, selecting resources, managing time, and incorporating assessment.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities and peer feedback to build practical skills in developing
engaging and informative educational content for their communities that is aligned with WSU Master Gardener Program Priorities.


Session 3: Friday, September 26

Ann Bulger

Ann Bulger

Managing Pests and Diseases in Your Vegetable Garden: Aphids, Blight, and Slugs-Oh My!

Recorded session 1:00-2:00 PM

Using low-risk methods to manage pests and diseases not only protects human health and water resources but also supports pollinator populations and their habitats. This approach promotes a balanced, resilient ecosystem while maintaining effective pest control.

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Judy Conlow

Tired of Turf?

Recorded session 2:05-3:05 PM

Is the the desire to keep your lawn pristine just too much? Too much of your time, too much money, too many chemicals. Then, fear not. There
are alternatives.

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Ryan Misely

Organics Waste Management Techniques for a Zero Waste Garden

Recorded session 3:10-4:10 PM

Composting and other organic waste recycling methods supports gardening in a changing climate by improving soil health, conserving water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the recycling of organic waste.

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Kate Garland

Outdoor Classroom: Engaging Kids with Nature-Based Fun

Recorded session 4:15-5:15 PM

Join University of Maine Cooperative Extension Horticulture Professional, Kate Garland as she showcases youth-friendly activities designed for
field trips and field day events that she and her team regularly host at the Demonstration Garden at Rogers Farm in Old Town, Maine. Discover
how they cultivate curiosity and creativity in young minds through simple and low-cost nature-based experiences.


Session 4: Saturday, September 27

Matt Williams

Matt Williams

Soil Sampling Strategies and Soil Test Interpretation

Live session

Understanding soil testing can feel overwhelming, but this session will break it down in a clear and practical way. Learn how to collect accurate soil samples, interpret test results from different laboratories, and make informed decisions about fertilizers, amendments, and pH adjustments. Gain confidence in improving soil health for better plant growth through responsible gardening practices.

Todd Murray

Todd Murray

Fifty years of Invasive Species Detection and Outreach

Live session

For over 50 years, WSU Master Gardeners have helped detect and respond to new pests, playing a key role in early detection and community education. This presentation covers emerging threats like the European Chafer and European Fire Ants, plus unwanted pests like the Asian Longhorned Beetle, with guidance on management and reporting.

Karen Palmer and Angelina Lia

Karen Palmer
Angelina Lia

Protect our Pollinators from the Effects of Climate Change

Recorded session

This presentation is part of The Resilient Yard series and has been WSU EMG approved.

Cathi Lamoreux

Cathi Lamoreux

Gardener/Garden Connection Balances Strength and Resilience

Recorded session

Gardening, like most of life, is an exercise in adaptation. Changes in life and in your garden prove that point. How do we keep the garden being a pleasure rather than a burden? Gardening wiser, not harder keeps us experiencing satisfaction, success and beauty. Learn some techniques addressing time constraints, budget, resources, and health so that the pleasure and beauty of your garden continue to bring you joy.

Laurel Moulton

Laurel Moulton

IPM in the Veggie Garden: Growing great vegetables with environmental protection in mind

Recorded session

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to controlling garden pests and diseases with minimal pesticide use. By focusing on prevention through observation and learning, IPM combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods. Join this session to explore strategies for growing healthy vegetables while fostering a resilient and environmentally friendly garden.


Session 5: Saturday, September 27

Christina Pfeiffer

Christina Pfeiffer

PNW Month-by-Month Gardening: Tips for Cultivating a More Resilient Garden

Live session

Learn how to streamline garden tasks and timing to create a more sustainable, thriving landscape. This talk will provide practical strategies for efficiency and environmental stewardship in your garden.

Lisa Taylor

Lisa Taylor

Conserving Water with Contours, Native Plants and Cisterns

Recorded session

No matter where you live, landscapes with native plants, rain gardens and cisterns help conserve and filter water and provide habitat for pollinators. Join Lisa Taylor, garden speaker extraordinaire in a lively exploration of native landscaping, rain gardens and rain catchment. Native plant landscapes are beautiful, easy to care for, provide year-round interest and wildlife habitat. Learn how creating contours and rain gardens can help improve water quality and slow storm water. Explore how to add a rain barrel to save water and divert rainwater.

Bri Price

Brianna Price

Attracting & Hosting Pollinators of the Pacific Northwest

Recorded session

Discover Washington State’s pollinator diversity with Bri Price, WSU Bee Program Extension Coordinator. Learn how to enhance pollinator habitats through reduced pesticide use and diverse plant selection.

Jim Kropf

Jim Kropf

Fire Resistant Landscaping for Western Washington

Recorded session

Landscaping in Western Washington requires careful planning to reduce wildfire risk. This talk explores fire-resistant landscaping strategies, from selecting flame-retardant plants to identifying hazards that increase exposure. Learn how to create a resilient landscape that enhances safety while preserving natural beauty in a changing climate.

Al Murphy

Al Murphy

Creating A Fire-Resistant Home Landscape in a Changing Climate

Recorded session

With climate change driving more frequent and intense wildfires, creating fire-resistant landscapes is essential—especially in Eastern Washington. This session will explore strategies for designing safer, more sustainable home landscapes, including fire-resistant plant selection and maintenance techniques. Learn how Master Gardeners can help homeowners enhance resilience while maintaining beauty and biodiversity.


Session 6: Saturday, September 27

Thurman Johnson

Thurman Johnson

Landscape Design with Ecology in Mind

Live session

How can we create resilient landscapes amid unpredictable weather? Can our gardens provide beauty while supporting wildlife? As drought, disease, and invasive species accelerate change, gardeners and professionals play a key role in shaping adaptive green spaces. Join this discussion on sustainable landscaping that works with nature to foster thriving, climate-ready environments.

Thyra McKelvie

Thyra McKelvie

Learn How to Help Mason Bees Thrive

Recorded session

With shifting climates, spring pollination is becoming less predictable. Discover how to support mason bees early in the season to enhance pollination and strengthen your garden’s productivity.

Tim Kohlhauff

Tim Kohlhauff

Tree Canopy Cover as a Way to Mitigate Climate Change

Recorded session

Washington residents face growing threats from climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events like the 2021 heat dome. Expanding tree canopy and green spaces in urban areas can help mitigate these impacts. This talk explores the vital role of trees and how gardeners can contribute to a more climate-resilient environment.

Dave Hofeditz

Gary Fredricks

How to Give a Memorable Presentation

Recorded session

An Extension agent’s role is to educate communities, and face-to-face presentations are the most effective way to inspire action. While new agents have subject knowledge, they often need strategies to engage audiences beyond passive learning. This session will provide attendees with practical techniques to create interactive discussions that foster deeper understanding and encourage participants to apply what they’ve learned. By focusing on engagement rather than information overload, attendees will gain valuable skills to deliver impactful presentations that drive meaningful learning experiences.

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Theresa Crimmins

It’s about time: Tracking phenology in a time of changing climate

Recorded session

Phenology is all about timing—when trees leaf out, flowers bloom, birds migrate, animals bear young and hibernate—and it is everywhere around us. Seasonal events quietly but steadly occur in response to fluctuations in daylength, temperatures, and rainfall patterns, and these events are threaded through our daily lives, shaping our experiences and perceptions. As well, the timing of seasonal activity is being affected by rapidly changing climate conditions, with significant ecological and economic impacts. In this presentation, I’ll share how we are all phenologists in our own way. I will also share how you can participate in documenting the timing of seasonal life cycle events—for the benefits to mental health and for the good of the environment, as the data gathered can be directly helpful in supporting climate change action.


Session 7: Saturday, September 27

Dave Hunter

Dave Hunter

What If We Thought Like a Bee? A New Perspective on Pollinator Survival

Live session

Join Dave Hunter, founder of Crown Bees, for an insightful discussion on designing gardens through the perspective of a bee. Solitary bees, like mason and leafcutter bees, thrive in environments that support their natural behaviors, yet modern landscapes often disrupt their ability to nest, forage, and reproduce. Learn about the challenges these pollinators face, the small but impactful changes you can make to your garden, and science-backed solutions that empower pollinators to thrive. Gain a deeper understanding of how native bees interact with their surroundings and their essential role in food security and biodiversity.

John Albers

John Albers

Gardening in a Changing Climate: Practical Solutions for Resilient Landscapes

Live session

Learn how to build a climate-resilient garden by optimizing soil health, water management, and plant selection. This presentation explores adaptive gardening techniques that enhance sustainability, improve ecosystem balance, and prepare your landscape for shifting environmental conditions.

Gail Hecmanczuk

Gail Hecmanczuk

More Trees, Please!

Recorded session

Discover the transformative power of the Miyawaki Method for urban afforestation. This presentation explores how mini forests are being established worldwide, demonstrating their environmental benefits and alignment with key Master Gardener priorities, including climate change. Learn how this science-backed approach enhances biodiversity, resilience, and sustainability in urban landscapes.

Erica Wharton and Allison O'Connor

Erica Wharton & Allison O’Connor

Evergreen Elders: Engaging Older Adults with Therapeutic Horticulture

Recorded session

By 2050, the U.S. population of adults aged 65 and older will reach 82 million, making them one of the fastest-growing demographics. Evergreen Elders, developed through Colorado State University Extension in Larimer County, provides therapeutic horticulture activities designed to enhance well-being and engagement among older adults.

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Sharon Collman

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a Decision You Make

Recorded session

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerged in the 1970s as a response to concerns about the excessive use and misuse of chemical pesticides in agriculture, a movement largely influenced by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Over the past five decades, numerous definitions and policies have shaped IPM, yet its implementation remains a challenge—especially as studies show urban gardeners often use more chemicals than agricultural operations.

Many gardeners already practice IPM, whether consciously or not. The approach is straightforward: identify the pest, assess its severity, determine its life stage, consider the site’s conditions, weigh risks and benefits, select a management strategy, and take action (or choose not to) with safety and environmental responsibility in mind. This session will provide engaging examples and practical applications to help integrate IPM effectively.