Jenny Lee serves as the Illinois Extension Program Coordinator for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists in Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.

Jenny organizes horticultural and environmental programs about tree selection, tree care, home gardening, natural resources, and pollinator habitats. Using a network of highly trained volunteers, she strives to extend research-based knowledge to the public and help people make decisions that protect and improve the environment and their community.

Jenny also administers training and continuing education opportunities, plans seasonal events, and provides volunteer leadership for local Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. She has been instrumental in acquiring funding for the Plant-a-Row Garden. Since 2017, the garden has produced over 5,500 pounds of produce, which has all been donated to local food pantries.

Jenny received her bachelor’s degree in biology with a specialization in zoology from Western Illinois University, Macomb. She also holds a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In her graduate work, she specialized in developing a curriculum for tree care and maintenance. She is a passionate advocate for growing an appreciation for nature through public education.

Prior to her time with Extension, Jenny worked as a conservation police officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, fostering positive relationships with hunters and fishermen and teaching safety courses to both youth and adults.