Master Gardener and Naturalist Speakers Series

Who We Are

Our Speaker Series provides engaging topic-specific presentations to audiences, free of charge (except when noted for workshop materials). All speakers are Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers who have completed over 60 hours of training from University of Illinois Extension, plus years of personal experience.

Presentations are a minimum of 20 minutes, though most topics can be modified to fill more time. Upon request presentations can be provided virtually.

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalist volunteers are here to support our communities. Browse our presentation list and get in touch with us today.

View our printable brochure containing all of the below information.

To book a presentation for adult audiences, fill out the online request form.
(Or download Printable version, or fillable PDF version.)

For youth audiences, contact Brittnay Haag.

Birds, Butterflies, and Bees

Create a Monarch Habitat
Monarchs, the official state insect of Illinois, are in serious decline for a variety of reasons. Learn how we each can do our part to provide them with milkweed and
nectar-rich flowers so they thrive once again.

Designing Pots for Pollinators
Do you want to plant a pollinator garden but don’t have the room in your yard? Learn how to make your patio or porch a haven for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators with pollinator-friendly pots.

Plant a Pollinator Garden
Many insects play a role in pollination. This presentation will discuss different ways to make your landscape attractive to them.

Flowering Plants

All in for Alliums
Alliums are showstoppers, bringing stunning color and unique form to every garden in every season. The session will focus on selection, planting, and care for alliums, as well as creative uses for the flower heads.

High on Hydrangeas
There is a hydrangea (or 2!) for every garden. Explore the various types of hydrangeas and learn more growing information and pruning tips for this beloved plant. This presentation just may answer the often-asked question, “Why doesn’t my hydrangea bloom?”

Wildflower Treasures
Want to enjoy the beauty of wildflowers? Want to learn how to identify them? With plant identification tools, you can create an inventory of the plants and flowers you see in any landscape. Identifying and finding native wildflowers helps preserve natural habitat for the benefit of pollinators and all creatures.

Gardening Practices

Growing Vegetables Isn't Work - It's Fun
Discover a new way to garden that is fun and productive. Vegetable gardening in raised beds reduces your gardening burden and offers a canvas to display your gardening personality. Enjoy whimsy and fun in a production garden!

Herb Gardening
Herbs are versatile plants used for fragrances, cooking, or spicing up a landscape. Learn to grow, preserve, and use a variety of culinary herbs. Make them accessible and useful.

Tree Pruning
Overcome your fear of pruning! Grow healthy and attractive trees by learning the importance of pruning: what to prune, when to prune, and how to prune.