Edward Olsen

Edward Olsen serves as the Consumer Horticulture Specialist and Extension Master Gardener Director at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, with a 100% Extension appointment. He transitioned from his role as Henrico County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent to his current position in January 2024, focusing on statewide horticulture education and community outreach programs.

Education:

• M.S. Ed, Virginia Tech, 2010
• B.S. Horticulture, Virginia Tech, 1990

Olsen's work centers on practical consumer horticulture applications, developing educational initiatives like the Native Tree Walk, Virginia Household Water Quality Program, and SMART Lawns Campaign. His research bridges academic knowledge with public gardening needs, emphasizing sustainable practices, water conservation, and youth engagement through 4-H programs. The Extension Master Gardener program he directs trains volunteers to deliver community-based horticulture education across Virginia.

Scientific Awards:

• Virginia 4-H Innovative Programming Award for AGventure Days Project (2023)
• 2022 Program Excellence Award for Program Impact with Virginia Household Water Quality Program (2023)
• 2021 Program Excellence Award for Programmatic Courage with Native Tree Walk (2022)
• CVNLA Symposium and Short Course Pesticide Recertification Program - First Place Pesticide Safety Education Program (2021)
• Communications Award: Learning Module or Notebook - Regional Finalist (2021)
• Communications Award: Bound Book - National Finalist (2020)
• Communications Award: Program Promotion - State Winner (2020)
• Communications Award: Newsletter by Individual - State Winner (2020)
• Less than 5 Year Award - Epsilon Sigma Phi Gamma Chapter (2019)
• 2018 Program Excellence Award for Program Marketing with SMART Lawns 2018 Marketing Campaign (2019)
• 2018 Program Excellence Award for New Initiatives with Henrico 4-H Horticulture SPIN Club (2019)
• Poster Session: Extension Education - State Winner and National Finalist (2019)
• Communications Award: Learning Module or Notebook - State Winner and Regional Finalist (2019)
• Communications Award: Video Recording - State Winner (2019)
• Communications Award: Newsletter by Individual - State Winner (2019)
• 2017 Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification - First Place Pesticide Safety Education Program (2018)
• VCE Excellence Award: Programmatic Courage - Southeast District and State Winner (2021)

Olsen has directed the Virginia Extension Master Gardener program since 2024, training volunteers for community education. Previously, he served as Henrico County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent (2020-2024) and held leadership roles in the Virginia Association of Agriculture Extension Agents (2022-2026), progressing from Vice-President to Past-President. He also represents Virginia Cooperative Extension as a Senator in the Virginia Tech Administrative/Professional Faculty Senate.

As Extension Master Gardener Director, Olsen oversees a statewide network of trained volunteers conducting plant clinics, community gardening projects, school programs, and environmental education initiatives. His team provides critical horticulture outreach through public workshops, soil testing services, and urban gardening support across all Virginia counties.