Recertification

Returning the Next Year

Master Gardeners are dedicated volunteers, and many return year after year to share their knowledge and continue to learn. Volunteers receive an invitation to return to the program in the fall season.

Invitations to recertify are sent to Master Gardeners in good standing who have met the annual requirements of:

• Volunteering a minimum of 30 hours on approved service projects
• Completing 10 hours of continuing education training
• Paying a materials fee of $20

Educational Updates/Classes/Trainings

A minimum of 10 hours can accomplish the educational updates/classes/training, and may consist of attendance at other horticulture programs/classes/events sponsored by Illinois Extension; the annual Master Gardener Conference; credit or non-credit classes of a horticulture nature at a certified college or community junior college; classes of a horticulture nature at the Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden or Cantigny; horticulture professional association classes or short courses (ILCA, IL Arborist Association, Hort.Therapy Association, Perennial Plant Association, Community Garden Association, etc.).

The Horticulture Staff must approve any educational updates/ classes/ trainings outside of Extension, prior to enrollment. Continuing education classes must be accomplished during the current training/service year (January – November).

Volunteer Service

A minimum of 30 hours of prescribed volunteer service is required. Additional volunteer service is encouraged and appreciated. Volunteer projects will be offered quarterly. Such service in the past has included answering gardening questions in the office, presenting horticulture programs through the Speakers Bureau, horticulture therapy, demonstration gardens, off-site Master Gardener help desks (libraries, garden walks,etc.), school programs, after-school youth programs, County Fair 4-H judging, conducting workshops at 4-H Project Days, community beautification projects, and others.