About Us

The mission of the Pennington County Master Gardeners is to enhance and supplement community educational efforts of the SDSU Extension Master Gardener program and thereby provide education and information on horticulture and environmental stewardship.

The South Dakota Master Gardener program began in 1985 when SDSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Dr. Dean Martin organized the first classes. The first West River Master Gardener class was taught in 1987, and the Pennington County Master Gardeners officially organized in 1995.

Through the years, Pennington County Master Gardeners have raised awareness of gardening in our community by organizing and participating in a variety of projects and events, including:

Gardening in the Black Hills class series
Spring Fever day-long gardening seminar
Plant Share community event
YFS Kids Fair booth
"Ask a Master Gardener" booth at the Black Hills Farmers Market
Sioux Park herb garden
Mr. McGregor's Garden at Storybook Island

PCMG members meet quarterly to hear reports on activities and events and to vote on special items of business. Meetings usually include a short educational presentation and an activity, such as a seed swap, plant share, or harvest share, along with potluck refreshments.