Navigating New Horizons: Master Gardener Programs in a Changing World
The conference hotel room block is at max capacity. Rooms are still available at the hotel’s prevailing rate. Book by visiting The Wade | Downtown Chicago Hotel with Waterfront Rooms or calling Marriott’s Central Reservation System at 1-888-236-2427. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Conference Registration open through August 11, 2026
Conference Details
Join us in one of the nation’s most vibrant horticultural hubs for the 2026 National Extension Master Gardener Coordinator Conference, proudly hosted by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program! We are thrilled to welcome Extension Master Gardener program staff from across the country to Chicago, a dynamic crossroads of urban innovation, cultural richness, and world-class green spaces.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s iconic skyline, this year’s conference offers both convenience and inspiration. With easy access through major airlines and countless attractions just steps away, attendees will enjoy a seamless blend of professional development, networking, and exploration. The hotel venue looks right onto Navy Pier- an iconic Chicago destination!
Key Dates at a Glance
- Registration open until August 11
What to Expect
The conference kicks off with optional, immersive horticultural tours across the Chicago area.
Throughout the conference, we’ll also spotlight the remarkable volunteer efforts taking place in Illinois’ rural communities—showcasing the diversity, dedication, and statewide reach of our Master Gardener network.
Why Attend?
- Engage with leaders and peers who are shaping the future of Extension Master Gardener programming across the country
- Explore inspiring urban horticulture projects in one of America’s great cities
- Celebrate the meaningful volunteer work happening across the country, from rural towns to city neighborhoods
- Enjoy opportunities for learning, collaboration, and discovery in a lively, welcoming environment
Logistics
Venue
The Wade Hotel-Downtown Chicago, 644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611. Conference space is in the upper level of the hotel.
Room Rate
The conference hotel room block is at max capacity. Rooms are still available at the hotel’s prevailing rate. Book by visiting The Wade | Downtown Chicago Hotel with Waterfront Rooms or calling Marriott’s Central Reservation System at 1-888-236-2427. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Meals
A restaurant and bar are located inside the hotel, and many restaurants are within a walking distance of the hotel. Lunch during the two full conference days will be included in the conference registration fee.
Travel
The hotel is a 20-30 minute ride from either O’Hare or Midway international airports, traffic depending.
Parking
At the hotel, valet parking is available for $84 a day. Several other parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks. To save on cost, it is recommended to take a taxi or ride share from the airport to avoid needing to park.
We can’t wait to bring our community together to learn, connect, and grow. See you in Chicago in August, where Illinois’ gardening spirit thrives in every corner of the state!
Pre-Conference Tour Options
[All tour seats are filled]
Full Day Bus Tour Option:
Begin your day with a visit to Growing Solutions Farm, where you’ll see inclusive, community-based gardening practices in action. This unique site highlights the power of horticulture to create meaningful employment opportunities while promoting sustainable growing techniques.
Afterward, the group will travel to Lincoln Park for an afternoon of exploration and learning. Enjoy an included boxed lunch and time to discover the renowned Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected zoos, known for its conservation work and free public access.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where participants will experience both indoor and outdoor learning environments. Highlights include:
- A guided tour of the outdoor gardens led by horticulture staff, showcasing native plantings and ecological design
- An engaging session with the museum’s education team, offering insights into public programming and environmental outreach
The tour concludes with a comfortable bus return trip, giving you time to reflect on the day’s experiences and connect with colleagues.
Draft Schedule Overview:
- 8:30 AM – Bus departs hotel
- 9:00–11:00 AM – Growing Solutions Tour
- 11:30 AM – Boxed lunch
- 12:00–2:00 PM – Lincoln Park Zoo Tour
- 2:15–4:00 PM – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Tour
- 4:30 PM – Return to hotel
This dynamic excursion is perfect for coordinators interested in inclusive programming, urban horticulture, environmental education, and partnership-building. Don’t miss this opportunity to see innovative work in action and bring new ideas back to your Extension programs!
Afternoon Half-Day Tour Option:
Departing midday, this tour begins with a visit to the stunning Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. Often described as “Chicago’s secret garden,” Lurie Garden is a dynamic, four-season landscape that showcases sustainable design, native plantings, and contemporary horticultural artistry. Participants will have ample time to explore the garden’s thoughtful design and learn how it reflects the city’s cultural and ecological history.
Following a short trip, the tour continues at the world-renowned Field Museum, where science, conservation, and public engagement intersect. Highlights of this visit include:
- A mini-class featuring a segment of a community science presentation, with a look at real program data and how it informs research and public participation
- A guided tour of the Rice Native Gardens, showcasing regional plant species and their role in habitat restoration and education
- An interactive activity
The afternoon wraps up with a return trip, offering time to reflect on the connections between public gardens, research institutions, and Extension programming.
Draft Schedule Overview:
- 12:30 PM – Bus departs
- 1:00–2:45 PM – Lurie Garden Tour
- 3:00–5:00 PM – Field Museum Tour
- 5:30 PM – Return
This tour is ideal for coordinators interested in urban horticulture, public garden design, and integrating community science into Extension programming. Gain fresh ideas and inspiration to bring back to your own communities.