Ford-Iroquois Counties Master Gardeners

The Ford Iroquois Master Gardeners serve the community by organizing programs and projects that promote knowledge on flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit, trees, shrubs, and more.  Master Gardeners help provide a better understanding of plant diseases, organic gardening, composting, native plants, and the importance of pollinators.  In 2024, 12 Master Gardeners volunteered almost 850 hours--tending project gardens, leading public programs, and making their communities better places to live! 

If you enjoy gardening, learning, and sharing your knowledge with others, the Master Gardener program is for you. Registration for online class is open now.  Important dates for Fall 2025 online Illinois Gardener Training: registration runs from 07/01 to 08/18/2025; training will begin on 09/15/2025, with Group Zoom meetups on 09/15, 10/20, and 11/17/2025. 

We will offer an in-person class in Champaign County in January 2026.

Volunteers commit to complete 40 volunteer hours on approved Master Gardener projects within two years. 

Learn more.  Apply today for the In-Person Class.

What Do Volunteers Do?  

Activities

Here are some of the ways our volunteers are active in Ford and Iroquois Counties:

  • Design, plant, and care for an educational Idea Garden at the Onarga Library
  • Plant and manage a community garden at the Gibson City Reservoir/Fishing Pond
  • Raise vegetables at Iroquois Memorial Hospital Garden for the community.
  • Provide garden-themed presentations to the local community through their Speakers Bureau
  • Participate in Citizen Scientist Programs like Cocorahs.
  • Organize educational field trips for fellow Master Gardeners
  • Participate in the Monarch Watch Program, tagging monarchs each fall.
  • Serve as an officer, including President, Vice President, Secretary, or Committee Chair
  • Help organize the IGA Cookout fundraiser and Plant Share 
Meetings

Meetings are (usually) scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month at the Iroquois County U of I Extension Office--1380 S. Crescent St., Gilman, IL 60938

  • A business meeting is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Workdays may follow in the afternoon during the growing season
  • No July or December meetings
Education

Continuing Education Opportunities:

Body

Find the support you need from our local staff