MARION — For 49 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.
More than 2,300 volunteers statewide put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice by providing gardening education and outreach in their communities. 2,348 Master Gardeners from across the state contributed 165,508 hours of service in 2023. The program welcomed 496 new volunteers statewide who participated in various Master Gardener training options, including online, in-person, and hybrid models of learning. Take your love of gardening to the next level by joining your local Master Gardener cohort in 2024!
Hybrid Master Gardener Training begins September 10. Training lasts for 12 weeks until December 3. Participants will study online each week and attend a weekly live webinar session from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday mornings at the Williamson County Extension Office.
“Our hybrid training is a great opportunity for folks who need more flexibility to participate,” said State Master Gardener Specialist Candice Hart. “The online portion of this hybrid model gives more flexibility for trainees to learn at their own pace each week and also participate in weekly live interactive webinars with their fellow trainees.”
The training includes videos, a Master Gardener manual, reading materials, and quizzes. A strong internet connection is recommended. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth horticulture content through modules including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management organic gardening and more.
For more information, contact Kimberly Rohling at kimrohli@illinois.edu or 618-687-1727 or visit go.illinois.edu/FJPRWMasterGardeners. Registration closes August 30. The course fee is $200.
After receiving training, volunteers participate in education programs in their communities. Those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups, or schools, answering calls or emails at garden help desks, establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools, and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Kim Rohling. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.
