Wenatchee volunteer named 2024 Master Gardener of the Year

Debbie Benbow

WENATCHEE — The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program has named Debbie Benbow of Wenatchee as its 2024 Master Gardener of the Year, recognizing her extensive contributions and leadership in horticultural education across the state.

Benbow, who has served as a volunteer with the WSU Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Program since 2009, was selected from eight nominees statewide by the WSU Extension Master Gardener Recognition and Awards Committee. The award was announced in late September and is sponsored by the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State.

"I can't say enough good things about Debbie Benbow," said Marco Martinez, coordinator of the WSU Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Program. "Her work has benefitted our local WSU Master Gardener Program and other programs statewide. Locally, she has helped our program better focus its education efforts. She has also used her marketing and graphic design skills to help promote those efforts."

The award recognizes active volunteers who demonstrate leadership at both state and county levels while making lasting contributions to the Extension Master Gardener Program. Benbow's service record shows significant dedication, with more than 1,500 volunteer hours logged in the past two years alone. Throughout her 15-year tenure, she has accumulated over 7,100 volunteer hours.

In related news, Craig Lawrence, a WSU Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener since 2016, was nominated for the Ed LaCrosse Distinguished Award. Lawrence was one of four nominees for this recognition, which honors individuals who have made significant statewide impacts on the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program or have served the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State.