Since 1992, nearly 600 Champaign County residents have completed Master Gardener training and contribute more than 11,000 hours annually to Champaign County. Master Gardener volunteers sincerely desire to learn and share home horticulture information, have practical experience or knowledge of gardening, and want to impact the community positively.
If you enjoy gardening, learning, and sharing your knowledge with others, the Master Gardener program is for you. Volunteers start by taking a Gardener Training class. After successfully finishing the training, volunteers become Master Gardener Interns, and they have two years to complete 40 volunteer hours on approved Master Gardener projects. Following the internship period, volunteers become Certified Active Master Gardeners.
We will offer an in-person class in Champaign, starting in February 2026.
Fill out the Champaign County Master Gardener Interest Form to get your name on the list for 2026!
Submit your Interest Form by December 31, 2025, to be considered for the 2026 class.
Our Services
Ask a Master Gardener
Submit plant ID and disease questions to the Horticulture Hotline.
Request a Speaker
Request a Master Gardener presentation.
Become a Master Gardener
Join the Champaign County Master Gardeners! Click here to learn more and to apply.
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Champaign County Garden Walk
The Champaign County Master Gardeners host their annual Garden Walk each June. Over 100 Master Gardener volunteers donate time to coordinate and plan the event each year. Garden Walks are the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the beauty of summer as you meander through private gardens. The featured homeowners have spent years preparing for this year’s events and are eager to inspire all who visit their gardens. Tickets will be on sale at several area businesses.
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Champaign County Master Gardener projects are approved projects that fulfill a community need and allow our volunteer educators to "help others learn to grow." Read below for more information about our community projects, or watch our video.
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Crisis Nursery
The Crisis Nursery Garden creates an "Island of Safety" dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing 24-hour emergency care for children and support to strengthen families in crisis. The garden provides a haven for children at Crisis Nursery and introduces them and their parents to gardening.
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The Idea Garden
Located on the University of Illinois Arboretum in Urbana, the Idea Garden is considered a local jewel in the community.
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Yingying's Garden
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners welcome returning and new students to the Urbana Champaign campus! As students and faculty go forth with their busy days, we welcome them to stop by Yingying's Garden. The 600-square-foot garden is at the corner of North Goodwin Avenue and West Clark Street in Urbana. This "healing garden" was dedicated to Yingying Zhang, a talented visiting Chinese scholar who went missing on June 9th, 2017. This calming space is filled with plants and shrubs representing beauty, remembrance, friendship, and new beginnings.
Find the support you need from our local staff
Valerie Nicolini
