Every year Kendall County Extension provides training to individuals who would like to become Master Gardeners. The Master Gardener program began in Kendall County in 1994 and has been training volunteers each year since then.

Instruction

Attendance at all 12 Master Gardener training classes is required. Classes begin in mid-January and continue until the end of March and are held at satellite sites selected by the University, Kendall County Extension will be hosting these classes for the 2010 training. The classes are held one day per week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and are taught by University Educators.

Training

The topics covered in the classes include: botany, soils, woody ornamentals, basic entomology, tree fruits and small fruits, herbaceous ornamentals, and insect and diseases of plants. Quizzes are given after each class and a final exam (all open book) at the end of the training. A passing grade of 80 percent on the quizzes and final exam must be obtained to pass the course.

Cost

A fee is charged to cover the two-volume manual and all other supplemental handouts.

Volunteering

In exchange for this excellent opportunity, the University and Kendall County Extension requires that you donate 60 volunteer hours in support of the program during the growing season. These hours can be spent answering landscaping questions homeowners have. An outside project is also required and suggestions can be obtained from the Master Gardener Coordinator.

Registering

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, you may request an application by calling the Kendall County Extension office at 630-553-5823,
e-mail jrugg@illinois.edu or download at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/kendall/hort_env1893.html. Deadline to apply for 2010 training is November 30, 2009. Background screening forms are also required to be filled out and returned to the office with the application.

Once you have completed your application, you will then be required to have an informal interview with the Master Gardener Coordinator at the Kendall County Extension office.

Extension Hours

Volunteer Master Gardeners are in the Extension office at various times each week (M-F) during the growing season.

November - February
On call - Call 630-553-5823 and either a Master Gardener or the Horticulture Educator will return your call.

March
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

April - September
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

October
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Call or stop in if you have a horticultural question. If a Master Gardener is not present, your information will be taken for later referral. Master Gardeners provide research-based information to clients. They do not make house calls.