Martha Smith received a bachelor's in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and a master's of education from Western Illinois University.

Prior to joining University of Illinois Extension, Smith worked as a nursery manager, landscape designer and horticultural broker. She also worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension in New York.

Smith is a member of the Perennial Plant Association, Dwarf Conifer Society, Illinois Nurserymen's Association, Epsilon Sigman Phi (ESP) and the Illinois Extension Agricultural Association (IEAA).

She has received the Outstanding or Innovative Program Group Award from the University of Illinois Extension, the Epsilon Sigma Phi M.S. Williams Innovative Program Award and the NACAA national achievement award.

Program Offerings

Home horticulture responsibilities include arranging and teaching Master Gardener Training in four regional locations, providing continuing education opportunities and advanced trainings for Master Gardeners in Western Illinois, planning and implementing several seasonal educational events geared for the home gardener, and assisting unit offices with horticulture requests, as needed.

Smith currently provides leadership for a state wide distance learning opportunity, offering every unit the opportunity to present current horticulture programs.

Commercial horticulture involves working one-on-one with growers and horticultural enterprises as the need arises. Serving as the liaison between University of Illinois and Iowa State University, Smith is involved with planning cooperative educational programs for growers, attracting people from a four state radius. Smith also provides training for Green Industry employees to insure they are prepared and meet the demand for a qualified horticulture work force.

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