The Master Gardener program is a volunteer group sanctioned by the Land Grant universities in all 50 states. In Illinois, the program is administered by University of Illinois Extension. The program trains adult volunteers to provide research-based information to home gardeners. This is done through a variety of educational activities.
Master Gardeners Are Active in Lake County
Master Gardeners serve the community through a number of different volunteer activities. These include:
Information Service: Volunteers involved in the information service provide education for the general public by assisting them with gardening questions. There are two main ways that volunteers assist with this program:
Phone Service (Extension office): Volunteers work out of the volunteer office located in the Lake County office of University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake. Individuals with questions can contact the Master Gardeners by phone or may stop in to talk directly to the Master Gardener. From April through October, the Master Gardeners are available Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. November through March, their hours are Mondays, 9:00 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Libraries: Each year, a limited number of Master Gardner information booths are set up in local libraries during the summer months. Gardeners can stop and talk with the Master Gardeners. No phone calls are taken at these sites.
Speaker's Bureau: Through the Speaker's Bureau, Master Gardeners present talks to local garden clubs and other interested groups. All presentations are scheduled by the horticulturist.
Therapeutic Horticulture: Master Gardeners work on projects adapted for audiences with special needs and interests. Over the past several years, the Master Gardeners have worked with the residents of several nursing homes, facilities for individuals with disabilities and a school for youth at risk.
Youth Projects: Master Gardeners assist with 4-H or other youth events such as judging/recording at the County Fair, 4-H Beautification project, and preparation of educational materials.
Demonstration Gardens: There are small demonstration gardens located at the Extension office. Master Gardeners have participated in the planning and maintenance of these gardens. In 2001 a garden committee was formed to expand and improve the demonstration gardens. One goal of the committee is to improve the educational value of the gardens.
