Susan Grupp is a center-based environmental science educator with University of Illinois Extension. She provides leadership and expertise in environmental science and horticulture programs. Grupp has B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Environmental issues are far reaching and touch all areas of peoples' lives. Grupp's work keeps her current on research-based information on a wide range of topics including water quality, green roofs, native landscaping, 'green" construction, energy conservation and sustainable living with an eye towards programming for homeowners, businesses and municipalities. Currently she is leading Extension's effort, in partnership with the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, to demonstrate sustainable gardening at the Museum's Smart Home: Green and Wired exhibit that opens May of 2008. Grupp is a member of the Dupage County Environmental Commission and is Chair of the Carbon Sequestration Sub-committee.
Her expertise in horticulture programming finds her providing educational information and programming on horticultural topics including invasive insects, integrated pest management and commercial pesticide safety education. Prior to her environmental science educator position, Grupp enjoyed 17 years as a unit-based horticulture Extension educator, in DuPage County, where she initiated many successful programs and managed a Master Gardener volunteer force of over 100. She currently provides leadership and expertise to all the Master Gardener programs in Northeast Illinois in Grupp's role as Coordinator of the other county-based Master Gardener Coordinators.
Grupp was heard on the "Green side Up" weekly radio garden program on WDCB, 90.9 FM (College of DuPage radio station) for over 17 years. She continues as an occasional guest. In addition, she has been featured on cable TV and in various newspapers and magazines.
Before joining Extension, she held several different management positions in the horticulture industry. She enjoys the peace and quiet of the Northwoods and her hobbies include fishing, golfing,gardening and cooking.
