Outstanding Award

Patty Bergquist

Patty has been a Cook South Suburban Master Gardener since 2009. She has given over 430 volunteer hours to the program and earned just over 100 continuing education hours. Patty works the ‘Ask the Master Gardener Help Desk’, serves as a Lurie Garden Docent, provides activities at special events and supports community gardens.

When Patty sets out to do a project or program, it is done with grace, precision, and a large amount of joy.  Patty delights in helping people not just by providing an answer to a question but by educating the client and seeing them make the connection between their future actions and positive outcomes for their environment.  Patty’s enthusiasm that we can all be part of helping the planet brings an upbeat message to our public outreach.

Claudia Petrie

Claudia joined the Cook South Suburban Master Gardeners in 2016 and has served nearly 230 volunteer hours and earned 57 continuing education hours. Claudia is a team leader for the Soil Test Interpretation Team, supports Cook County Conservation@Home program, provides youth lessons at gardens and special events and delivers presentations for the MG Speaker’s Bureau. 

Claudia brings her "A" game to every program and project. Claudia has a gift for interpreting complex data and creating user­ friendly verbiage and visual aids to educate clients and youth, as well as fellow Master Gardeners. Claudia's efforts engage youth in learning about the environment and ecosystem, with the goal to educate and inspire the next generation of enthusiastic stewards.

Claudia's dedication to learning all she can about the environment and soils make her an excellent researcher, speaker, mentor and collaborator. Claudia's endeavors with Master Gardeners are approached with a high degree of workmanship and embody the joy of a lifelong learner.

To learn more about the Master Gardener training and volunteer certification program please contact Margaret Burns-Westmeyer, at mburnswe@illinois.edu