Master Gardener volunteers help strengthen communities across central Illinois through education, local food production, conservation, and community partnerships. Their work supports youth and adult learning, improves public spaces, expands access to fresh produce, and connects residents with research-based gardening information. This year, volunteers and project teams from Fulton, Peoria, and Tazewell counties received state recognition for their outstanding service and leadership.
Outstanding Master Gardener Awards
The Outstanding Master Gardener Award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to Extension's mission.
- Annie Link, West Peoria, was recognized for expanding community outreach, building partnerships, and increasing public engagement with Extension programs. She loves volunteering in the Master Gardener information booths at Peoria Riverfront Market and Ignite Peoria.
- Gloria Sun, Dunlap, was honored for her creativity, mentorship, and contributions to educational and community gardens, especially at Wildlife Prairie Park 4-H Learning Garden and Peoria Zoo pollinator garden.
- Mary Peifer, Peoria, received recognition for her dedication to volunteer service, educational outreach, and support of Master Gardener programs. Two projects that Mary spends a lot of time at are Luthy Botanical Garden and Peoria Friendship House community garden.
- Laurie Swanke, Washington, was honored for her leadership in food donation gardens, volunteer mentoring, and horticulture education. The Morton Giving Garden is blessed by Laurie’s hard work and expertise.
Sustained Excellence Awards
The Sustained Excellence Award honors volunteers who continue to make significant contributions after receiving the Outstanding Master Gardener Award.
For nearly 20 years, Susan Walters from Canton, has helped lead horticulture education and community improvement projects in Fulton County. Her service includes Gardeners BIG Day, pollinator education, public garden projects, and community beautification efforts. Through her leadership and volunteer service, she has helped create learning opportunities and lasting improvements throughout the county.
Ellen Denler, Pekin, received the Sustained Excellence Award for her ongoing work in conservation, native plants, ecological gardening, and youth education. She has been a leader in Conservation@Home and other efforts that help residents create landscapes that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.
Teamwork Awards
Two projects received State Master Gardener Teamwork Awards for their community impact and collaborative approach.
The Peoria Friendship House Community Garden was recognized for transforming an abandoned urban garden space into a thriving community resource. Master Gardeners, staff, volunteers, and community partners worked together to create opportunities for youth gardening education, increase access to fresh produce, and provide hands-on learning experiences. The project has become both a productive garden and a gathering place for the neighborhood.
The Morton Giving Garden received a Teamwork Award for the successful relocation and expansion of its food donation garden. When the garden needed a new location, Master Gardeners, community volunteers, the Morton Park District, and local businesses worked together to establish a larger site. The garden now provides fresh produce to local food pantries while serving as an educational demonstration garden for the community.
Growing Communities Through Service
These awards highlight the many ways Master Gardener volunteers make a difference across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. Whether growing food for local pantries, teaching research-based gardening practices, improving public spaces, or supporting conservation efforts, these volunteers help create healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.