Learn and Volunteer in the Master Gardener Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2009

Enrich your gardening knowledge and make a difference in your community by becoming a Master Gardener. Volunteers should have a sincere desire to learn, the ability to communicate effectively and the willingness to work as a team. Master Gardeners receive training from University of Illinois staff in horticulture classes, including fruits, vegetables, landscape plants, insects, herbs and more. Weekly training begins on Thursday January 21, 2010, and continues for a total of 11 weeks, until Thursday, April 2, 2009. Each class meets from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Five classes will be held in Springfield and six classes will be held in Decatur (carpooling to Springfield).

Following training, Master Gardener Interns agree to volunteer a total of 60 hours, by working at the Help Desk, display gardens, and at numerous other projects. With so many activities, it is not difficult to finish the hours. Master Gardeners may also participate in continuing education programs designed specifically for them.

To become a Master Gardener, you will need to fill out an application and return it by December 10, 2009. Applications are available from the University of Illinois Extension Office, 3351 North President Howard Brown Parkway, Decatur Il 62521; call 877-6042 or check out www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon and click on the Master Gardener link.