Every two years, University of Illinois Extension DuPage County trains and supports adults to volunteer as University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. The program is designed to expand the capacity of University of Illinois Extension to distribute horticultural information to residents and groups in our community.

Master Gardeners help others "learn to grow" by answering garden questions on our help line, identify insect, disease and other plant problems, distribute fact sheets and bulletins, staff educational display booths, present garden lectures and demonstrations, support community beautification projects, and deliver lessons to youth in schools, and youth camps.

Master Gardeners are adult volunteers who have successfully completed the requirements of the Master Gardener program. There are five levels of Master Gardeners.

• Master Gardener Trainee: A program participant from the time he/she is accepted into the program through completion of the training.
• Master Gardener Intern: A program participant from the time he/she completes the training with an average score of at least 80% on all quizzes and final exam, through the completion of 60 hours approved volunteer time.
• Certified (Active) Master Gardener: A Master Gardener Intern who has completed his/her initial 60 hours volunteer service requirement or a returning University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Maintaining certified University of Illinois Master Gardener status requires 30 hours of approved volunteer service and 10 hours of update education annually. It is valid for one year.
• Master Gardener Alumnus: A former University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener who successfully completed the 11 week classroom training and the 60 hour volunteer internship, but who no longer maintains his/her annual active volunteer service and/or education update requirements.
• Inactive Status/Leave of Absence: A former University of Illinois Extension certified Master Gardener or Intern who is temporarily unable to fulfill Active Master Gardener requirements for health, family, or other personal reasons. Participants may remain on leave of absence for one or two years at a time upon approval of his/her local coordinator. Return to active status after more than two years as an inactive Master Gardener may require additional training.

History of the Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener program began in 1972 in Seattle, Washington. In Illinois, the Master Gardener program was started in 1975 by Floyd A. Giles, University of Illinois Extension professor of horticulture. The first program was offered in Will County, and in 1976, training was conducted jointly for Will and DuPage counties. Today, the program is offered in nearly all the counties of Illinois. To date, more than 6,000 people have been trained. The Master Gardener program is now in all 50 states and several Canadian provinces.

Instruction

Here in DuPage County, the Master Gardener curriculum is taught by University of Illinois Extension educators. There are 12 classes, which are held once per week, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., during the months of January, February and March. Attendance at all 12 Master Gardener training classes is required.

Training

The topics that are covered include: introduction to University of Illinois Extension, basic botany, soils, composting, woody ornamentals, introduction to entomology, growing tree fruits and small fruits, home lawn care, pesticide safety, plant pathology, vegetable gardening , herbaceous ornamentals, home, yard and garden insects, and diagnosing plant problems. An informational session on volunteer projects, office procedures and reporting is also offered.

There are weekly, take-home quizzes and a comprehensive final exam. Students must complete and pass all quizzes and the final (all open-book) with at least an 80 percent score.

Cost

A $225.00* materials fee is charged to cover the cost of the University of Illinois Master Gardener manual (two volumes) and all other supplemental handouts.

* A donation of $425 is required for individuals who cannot provide 60 hours of volunteer time.

If you need to drop out of the program during training, you will be asked for a donation based on a percentage of the $425 pro-rated by the number of sessions attended (i.e.: quarter, half) to cover the cost of training and materials.

If you are unable to fulfill the volunteer requirement, you will be asked for a donation based on a percentage of the $425, prorated by the number of volunteer hours completed and hours still owed.

Volunteering

In exchange for this unique educational opportunity, we ask that you donate 60 volunteer hours in support of the Master Gardener Program in DuPage County during the months of April-November. Most volunteer opportunities take place weekdays during normal business hours.

At times, a few spaces are available to commercial horticulturists, or anyone who is not interested in volunteering, but still wants to take the classes. A donation fee of $425.00 is required and is handled on a first come, first served basis. A certificate of completion of the Master Gardener training course will be awarded upon successful completion.

Additional Educational Opportunities

Throughout the gardening season, additional educational activities are offered, including local and regional field trips, additional training classes, and the Annual State Master Gardener Conference. These field trips and classes are offered only to certified, active Master Gardeners. Travel and expenses are on your own.

Awards