This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension Macon County at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/
Who We Are
If you enjoy gardening and like to learn to share your gardening knowledge, the Master Gardener program may be for you. All you need is an interest in gardening, an open mind, and a willingness to share your knowledge with others.
The task to the Master Gardeners is to share unbiased, reliable, research-based information with home landscapers and gardeners. Another important function is to encourage young people to enjoy the pleasures of flower and vegetable growing.
Brief History
The Master Gardener program is an all-volunteer organization sanctioned by the land grant institution in each state and functions as an extension of the college or university. In Illinois, the program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.
The Master Gardener program started in Macon County in 1986. To date, more than 200 persons have been trained in this program with approximately 111 persons still active as Master Gardeners. To maintain the Master Gardener name, volunteers must remain active in the program.
Master Gardener Instruction
Attendance at all 12 Master Gardener training classes is required to complete the training. The training series is offered one day a week beginning January 22, 2009 through April 2. Each class begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm.
Training
Master Gardeners participate in more than 60 hours of training on botany, vegetables, lawn care, tree and small fruits, diseases, insects, soils, composting, pesticide safety, fertilizers, pruning, trees and flowers. The sessions are taught by University of Illinois specialists and Extension educators. Training is coordinated by area horticulture Extension educators.
Cost of the program is $150. This includes the Master Gardener manuals and any additional training materials used. In return for the training, Master Gardeners give back at least 60 hours of volunteer time to Macon County Extension. A minimum of 40 hours must be completed in the Extension office.
Volunteering
Opportunities for volunteerism include the Extension office home horticulture help line, working in gardens at the Decatur Public Library, and other service areas. Volunteers may also participate in many educational programs designed just for them!
Applying
Applications will be taken through December 2008. Because there are not enough resources to accommodate everyone who applies to the program, class size is limited. Each applicant is required to go through an informal interview.
