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Skagit County proclaims Discovery Garden Day as Master Gardener program marks 30 years
Summary
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing the 30th anniversary of the WSU Extension Skagit County Master Gardener Discovery Garden and urged residents to attend a June 27 open house; presenters highlighted volunteer contributions, outreach and an estimated $1 million annual community value.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on June 2 adopted a proclamation recognizing the WSU Extension Skagit County Master Gardener Discovery Garden's 30th anniversary and urged residents to attend an open house on June 27.
Don McMoran, director at WSU Skagit County Extension's regional research hub, told commissioners the partnership between WSU Northwest Research & Extension Center, WSU Skagit County Extension and the Skagit County Master Gardener Program has "quietly, consistently and meaningfully" served Skagit County for more than three decades.
Alex DuPont, introduced by McMoran as the Master Gardener coordinator, said volunteers have contributed more than 23,000 hours annually and that the volunteer service represents "nearly $1,000,000 in annual value back to the community." She described the Discovery Garden as an outdoor classroom used to demonstrate gardening practices, pollinator and water‑conservation techniques and to host thousands of visitors each year.
Deborah Smeltzer, a director and treasurer of the Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation, reviewed the Foundation's role in fundraising and upkeep. Smeltzer said a three‑way agreement in 1996 with WSU entities established the 1.5‑acre demonstration site adjacent to NWREC; the garden opened in spring 1997 and has grown to about 33 themed garden rooms, she said.
Volunteer Diana Wiesen, who was part of the early Master Gardener class, described hands‑on site work, school visits and public tours as examples of the program's outreach. Carrie Ranton, a member of the class of 2024, invited the public and commissioners to the garden's 30th‑anniversary open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Following the presentations, the board read the proclamation text recounting the garden's founding, partnerships and community role. A motion to adopt the proclamation was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.
The proclamation text urges all Skagit County residents to attend the June 27 celebration and recognizes the Discovery Garden as a community education resource. The board adjourned the morning session and said it would reconvene at 1 p.m.
