Brittnay Haag

Brittnay Haag serves as the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator for Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties. Since joining Illinois Extension in 2012, she has played a key role in strengthening and supporting the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteer programs in Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties.

With a passion for helping people connect with plants and the natural world, Brittnay delivers high-quality community education programs focused on ornamental horticulture, youth learning experiences, and garden-based wellness. She is dedicated to inspiring environmental appreciation in learners of all ages and fostering vibrant, resilient communities through horticulture.

Raised on a grain farm in McLean County, Brittnay brings deep roots in agriculture and a strong connection to the landscapes of Central Illinois. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Agriculture/Horticulture from Illinois State University. This blend of expertise and deep local connection continues to guide her work in growing healthier communities through horticulture.

Little Roots

In 2018, Brittnay collaborated with the ISU Horticulture Center to create the Little Roots gardening calendar for 4-H Cloverbuds (age 5-7). The calendar guides children in growing six different plants, seed through harvest. Weekly activities engage youth in observing the world around them, researching basic horticulture terms, and caring for their plants, plus activities exploring pollination & insects, weather, plant parts, and life cycles. Cloverbuds that participate in the program are able to showcase their vegetables and flowers at their county 4-H show and ISU Horticulture Center events.

Media

• Green Thumb Gardener
• AgriNews
• Illinois Country Living Magazine
• Gardener’s Corner
• YouTube: Youth Gardening: Back Pocket Lessons & Activities: Learn quick, easy, and highly engaging gardening activities that require minimal preparation.

Committees

• Illinois Master Gardener Advisory Council
• Illinois Extension Human Resources Committee

School Garden Support

If your school is interested in starting a school garden, reviving a current one, or connecting the curriculum to the garden, contact Brittnay Haag.

• Resource Booklet: Utilizing the School Garden
• Article: Gardening in school is more than a grade

Youth Programs & Workshops*

• Summer Camps
• Afterschool Garden Clubs
• Activity stations at school or community events

* Topics include Butterflies, Flowers & Pollination, Seeds & Germination, Trees, Worms, Lady Bugs, Birds, Plant Parts & Needs, Plant Propagation, Garden Exploration & Scavenger Hunts, Garden Food Chain. Contact Brittnay to schedule a session or suggest additional horticulture topics.