Ford-Iroquois Counties Master Gardeners: Serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties: University of Illinois Extension

Master Gardeners are University of Illinois Extension volunteers who share research based horticulture information with gardeners of all ages.

They serve the residents of Ford-Iroquois Counties by organizing programs and projects that extend knowledge on flowers, vegetables, fruit, trees, lawns and shrubs.

Master Gardeners help promote a better understanding of plant diseases, organic gardening, composting, native plants and the importance of pollinators.

In 2018, Ford-Iroquois Master Gardeners volunteered about 1,500 hours making their community a better place to live!

Here are some of the ways they are active in the area:

Design, plant and care for an educational Idea Garden at the Onarga Library
Plant and manage a community garden at the Gibson City Reservoir
Give Horticulture presentations to the local community with an active Speakers Bureau
Hold plant shares each year
Participate in the Monarch Watch Program tagging monarchs each September

The Master Gardener mission is "Helping Others Learn to Grow".

Master Gardener objectives are to:

Expand the ability of University of Illinois Extension to distribute horticultural information to local communities
Develop and enhance community programs related to horticulture.
Develop the leadership potential of Master Gardener volunteers

The only thing our Master Gardeners enjoy more than gardening is sharing their love of gardening with others. Come see their work and be inspired!

Come visit the Idea Garden at the Gibson City Fishing Pond 460 N 300E Rd in Gibson City or at the Onarga Library at 209 W Seminary Ave in Onarga and view sample gardens like the following:

Vegetable Garden
Herb Garden
Butterfly Garden
Native Plants
Compost Bin
Rain Barrel Irrigation System

If you enjoy gardening, like to learn, and like to share your knowledge, then the Master Gardener Volunteer program may be for you. All you need is:

an interest in gardening,
an open mind, and
a willingness to share your knowledge with others.

How to Become a Master Gardener

In-class training sessions are typically offered one day a week over an 11 week period and are led by University of Illinois Extension educators and other horticultural experts.

An online option is also available quarterly and is an at-your-own-pace module. During training, volunteers learn about many different facets of indoor and outdoor gardening.

You must attend 60 hours of classroom instruction
There are weekly open-book quizzes to complete at home
Volunteers are required to complete 60 volunteer hours within two years of training.

Whether you are interested in classroom training or online training, you can begin the application process anytime throughout the year.

To begin the Master Gardener volunteer application process:

Submit the Master Gardener Interest Form to your local Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Check the training schedule for your availability. Classes for Ford-Iroquois Master Gardeners are offered in Champaign and/or Danville offices-choose which suits your schedule best. Upon completion you will be a Master Gardener in Ford-Iroquois Counties.

Vermillion Training Schedule (similar each year)
Champaign Training Schedule (similar each year)

To complete the application process and to maintain certified active Master Gardener status, volunteers must complete:

Illinois State Police Background Check Form (pdf)
Illinois CANTS Form (pdf)
Master Gardener Application 2019 (pdf)
Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement (pdf)
Risk and Release Form (pdf)

Active/Certified Master Gardeners

Master Gardener Annual Agreement

To Report Volunteer Hours

Report Master Gardener Volunteer Hours - Online

Attend Monthly Meetings: Meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month at the Iroquois County U of I Extension Office- 916 W Seminary Ave, Onarga, IL 60955-0163

Subcommittee meetings from 9 or 9:30-10 a.m.
Business meeting is from 10 am to 11 a.m.
Continuing Education offered from 11-Noon
Workdays may follow in the afternoon during the growing season
No July or December meetings

Volunteer at Onarga Idea Garden and Gibson City Idea Garden

Idea Garden Chairs: Gibson City- Donna | Onarga Library-
Garden Sections include: Sign Raised Bed, West Border, Cottage, Vegetable, Herb, Butterfly, Natives, North Border, Composting, Maintenance

Speaker's Bureau presentations available by Master Gardeners in Ford-Iroquois Counties. Call 815-268-4051 for more information