The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program in Kane County is a volunteer program open to anyone with the desire and availability to share information with others about good landscape and gardening practices.

A primary objective of the Master Gardener Program is to develop and deliver educational programs, resources and events relating to horticulture to Kane County residents.

Volunteers participate in extensive training sessions conducted by University of Illinois Extension specialists and educators in horticulture, insects, diseases, grasses, woody and herbaceous ornamentals, and fruits and vegetables. In exchange for this challenging educational experience, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 60 hours, primarily between April and October to share their new knowledge with the community. Fellow Master Gardeners are a dedicated group, and many chose to return year after year to share their knowledge with others.

In Kane County, training is offered every year as an on-line course beginning in January. Classroom training is offered in odd years running January through April. Applications are due in November. For more information, call Barbara Bates at 630-584-6166.

"The Master Gardener program has equipped me with knowledge to share with my community. The more I share, the more I realize the need to continue my studies."

Catherine Harrington, Kane County Master Gardener, since 2000