The Master Gardener Program welcomed a new program leader in 2024. Srijana Shrestha joined the OSU Extension team in early February to lead the OSU metro area Master Gardener Program. Srijana holds a master’s degree in horticulture and a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Horticulture from Washington State University.

Srijana has a broad range of experience in nursery production, vegetable crop production, plant propagation, and volunteer management. Additionally, Srijana has knowledge and experience in berry production, weed science, irrigation and nutrient management, climate change, integrated pest management and soil-biodegradable plastic mulches. Her Ph.D. project focuses on tea plant propagation and cultivation in the Pacific Northwest.

Srijana’s experience and vision will guide the Master Gardener volunteers’ efforts as they continue and expand their outreach and service to the Clackamas County community.