Margaret Burns-Westmeyer provides leadership and training for the Cook South Suburban Master Gardener volunteer program, as well as organizes horticultural and environmental programs, workshops, and activities that address community needs. Cook South Master Gardeners educate the public with unbiased, research-driven knowledge to help residents make decisions that protect and improve our community and environment.

Margaret has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bradley University, was a Certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener for 15 years, and was recognized with the Illinois Master Gardener State Outstanding and Sustained Excellence awards.  Burns-Westmeyer became the Cook South Suburban Master Gardener program coordinator in 2013 and currently manages about 130 volunteers.