This looks like a great new reference for any gardener. I will order one for the Master Gardener Help Line!

"Since 1927, Forest Trees of Illinois has been the definitive field guide for native and introduced trees of the Prairie State and the 2009 10the edition is available for just $10 from the University of Illinois.

"This is a book every Illinoisan should have in their backpack and on the bookshelf," said .

The book provides a comprehensive overview of almost 150 native and introduced tree species that are found in Illinois. Species are presented by common and scientific name. Descriptions include detailed information on growth form, bark, leaves, twigs, buds, flowers, fruit, wood, uses, habitat, range, and distinguishing features. Each description is illustrated with a photo of the bark, drawings of leaves, twigs, and fruit, and an Illinois range map.

Features of the 2009 edition include:

* Waterproof cover

* Handy 5" x 8" size

* New glossary of botanical terms

* Updated species information

* Leaf, twig, and fruit illustrations

* New, high-resolution bark photos

* Updated species distribution maps

* Index of common and scientific names

Forest Trees of Illinois is the ideal resource for naturalists, homeowners, landowners, hunters, weekend campers, students, teachers, and natural resources professionals. To order, go to the U of I PubsPlus website (https://pubsplus.uiuc.edu/C1396.html)."

Source: Jay Hayek, jhayek@illinois.edu

Do you need a few more continuing education credits to complete your 10 hours? Registration is now open for the Four Seasons Gardening Fall Telenets: Tree Maintenance, Poisonous Plants and Bonsai.

Click here to learn more.

I am please to announce the Master Gardener state award winners from DuPage County!

Loraine Miranda and June Vandervest were selected as winners of a State Outstanding Master Gardener Award. Nominees for this award must have completed at least 120 hours of Master Gardener service beyond the required 60 hour internship (180 total!). All hours were completed before the end of 2008.

Winning a State Master Gardener Teamwork Award is the 2008 Downers Grove North High School Team; Beth Corrigan, Bev DePhillips, Mike Horseley, Dolly Moneka, Patty Oleniczak, Ambi Pellegrini, Larry States, June Vandervest, Elaine Weil, Marta Witte and Jeanette Zeldin.

The multi-county 2008 Smart Home Team (at the Museum of Science and Industry) is also a State Master Gardener Teamwork Award winner. Representing DuPage County on this team is Tricia Bethke, Barbara Connell, Sharon Cook, Nick Janakas, Bob Mangan and Darlene Robenhorst.

Congratulations to all! The award winners will be recognized at the September 11th Awards Banquet at the State Master Gardener Conference in Effingham.

I was not able to nominate anyone for a Sustained Excellence Award this year. To be nominated for this award, you must be a previous State Outstanding Master Gardener award recipient and have completed at least 300 hours of volunteer service since receiving the award (minimum of 480 hours total!). Several Master Gardeners are very close to the required volunteer hours so I hope to be able to send in a nomination next year.