By Valerie Seale, Colorado Master Gardener

The first Master Gardener Program was officially established in 1973 at the Washington State University Cooperative Extension in Tacoma to meet a high demand for urban horticulture and gardening advice. The program and its primary concept – educational training in exchange for volunteer service – has since spread to all 50 U.S. states and a wider international Master Gardener network, including Canada and South Korea. The concept of a “Master” volunteer force is so effective that it is used as a model for the Native Plant Master, Wildlife Master, Master Food Safety Advisor, and Master Food Preserver programs, among others.

In 1975, Denver, Boulder, Jefferson and El Paso Counties started Colorado’s first Master Gardener (CMG) Programs. Arapahoe County followed in 1976. The first offices to house the Arapahoe County Master Gardener Program were located in and around downtown Littleton before moving to Datura Street. In 2016, the Master Gardeners’ office relocated to Lima Plaza, 6934 South Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112, where it currently resides.

This year, we are celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the program. Let’s take a look at the Colorado Master Gardener Program through the past 50 years.