15411 N IL 100 Highway Lewistown IL 61542
In 2021, Tara joined the University of Illinois Extension team as horticulture program coordinator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. She coordinates volunteer opportunities and horticulture programs for volunteers serving their communities through service projects and delivery of educational programming. She works closely with 150 Master Gardeners as they complete continuing education and work with our partners on projects such as demonstration and community gardens.
Tara received her Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with an emphasis in horticulture from Western Illinois University and Master of Science degree in crop sciences with an emphasis in horticultural food systems from University of Illinois. She has over 20 years of experience in landscape management, having served as the Superintendent of Grounds at Western Illinois University.
In her free time Tara finds agriculture to be at the heart of what she loves to do. She can be found gardening in her own backyard or helping out on the family farm in rural McDonough County.
Tara works closely with the Extension Master Gardeners and Conservation@Home.
Additional Resources
Learn More
Tara Heath joins Extension horticulture team
Meet the Educators - Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, with Tara Heath and Christine Belless
Media Coverage
Volunteer Spotlight: Master Gardener Jackie Trotter
Gardeners flock to 2023 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference
Gardeners’ BIG Day continues long-standing tradition of high quality horticulture education
Extension Master Gardeners host plant sales to share gardening expertise and locally grown plants
Extension Master Gardeners partner with Phoenix Community Development to promote food access
Extension Master Gardeners partner with Canton Park District to develop tree walks
Extension Master Gardeners give to the Morton Giving Garden so that the garden can give to others
Bob Coppernoll celebrates 30 years as Extension Master Gardener
Extension Master Gardeners team up with 4-H youth to grow a creative garden at Wildlife Prairie Park