Celebrate 50 Years of Illinois Master Gardeners
Join the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark counties on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program.
This special event is now open to the general public — all are welcome to attend and explore some of our most impactful garden projects throughout the Quad Cities area.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Start the day at Riverside Gardens in Moline, a long-standing Master Gardener site with a variety of garden spaces to explore.
Highlights include:
- A GIP-mapped tree walk
- Demonstration food garden
- Pollinator garden
- A unique greenhouse “make and take” activity
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Lunch on your own — we’ll provide a list of great local options.
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Visit the award-winning Floreciente Community Garden, a 2024 Extension Diversity Award recipient and SNAP-Ed partner site.
We’ll share the inspiring story of how this garden got started and how it continues to thrive and grow.
Please consider bringing produce or non-perishable items for our community food drive in support of this space.
2:30–5:00 p.m.
Wrap up the day at the stunning Hauberg Estate in Rock Island.
This cultural and architectural gem features:
- A developing Master Gardener project
- A guided tour of the historic mansion designed by Robert Spencer
- Landscape design by famed architect Jens Jensen
- Restoration updates and garden walkthroughs
Finish the day in the Carriage House with complimentary appetizers and beverages, surrounded by the beauty of this unforgettable estate.