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Celebrating 50 Years with the Master Gardeners
A solution-based idea that addressed gardeners' needs sparked movements across the nation. From their humble beginnings, Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program has bloomed throughout the state, providing valuable gardening knowledge and cultivating impactful projects, creating momentum for the future.
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of positive impact across Illinois in 2025 with a campaign to promote the mission of Helping Others Learn to Grow.
Regional Golden Garden Days Events
Southern Celebration
May 7, 2025
Whether diving into the world of aquaponics, retrofitting shipping containers, participating in a memorial tree planting, or gaining skills in stormwater management, participants will gain insights into how this region is tackling the challenges of food access and creating more sustainable landscapes.
East Central Celebration
May 14, 2025
Honey bees might be the most recognized pollinators, but some of their close relatives play an integral part in our ecosystem. Adventure outdoors for an insect identification walk or detour to a tree identification walk.
Northeast Celebration
June 17, 2025
Master Gardeners are gearing up for celebratory tours at local greenhouses and plant nurseries. Look forward to a day dedicated to honoring the work of local volunteers.
Quad Cities Celebration
June 25, 2025
Bring surplus harvest and provide food to families in need at a food drive at Floreciente Community Garden with Master Gardeners in partnership with Eat. Move. Save. Other opportunities include mapped tree walks, demonstration vegetable gardens, and tours through pollinator gardens.
Northwest Celebration
June 29, 2025
Explore native blooming flowers, the rich scent of shoveled soil, and pollinators at work at garden tours hosted in northwest Illinois. Discover a variety of garden displays, including urban downtown beds, native plant landscapes, and butterfly havens.
West Central Celebration
July 22, 2025
Indulge in natural landscapes, wildlife viewing, and educational sessions at Wildlife Prairie Park. Learn about various Master Gardener projects within the park and in the local community, like the demonstration food garden at OSF St. Ann's Garden of Hope.
50 years of Helping Others Learn to Grow
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The Beginning
Driven by growing concerns about environmental change, the 1970s sparked a renewed interest in home gardening. This movement energized many, leading to the creation of the Master Gardener program, spearheaded by Washington State University Extension. The success of this initiative inspired Master Gardener programs nationwide. Through Illinois Extension, our Master Gardener program took root in Will County and neighboring Chicagoland, DuPage, and Cook counties with a mission to educate the gardeners of Illinois and "Help Others Learn to Grow."
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The Present
Today, Illinois Extension Master Gardeners uphold the legacy of educating people on the art and science of gardening. They lead initiatives such as coordinating gardening education series, community garden projects that address food gaps, nurturing the curiosity of young gardeners through school partnerships, and creating therapeutic gardening spaces. Their measurable impact rings true, with 2,358 active volunteers contributing 165,508 service hours in 2023 alone.
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The Future
Extension Master Gardener programs will continue to adapt to the ever-evolving world. Eliminating barriers to inspire new generations of gardeners. These programs have implemented hybrid training to offer flexibility, targeting new audiences aligning with Illinois Extension's newly launched 10-year Strategic Plan. This plan focuses on advancing digital accessibility, supporting families, providing safe and culturally responsible food sources, and promoting sustainability. Extension Master Gardeners are committed to fostering an equitable future and remain a trusted source of gardening knowledge.
Media Spotlight
Interview with Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau
Learn about the Master Gardener program and the volunteer requirements with horticulture educator Ryan Pankau. Interview conducted by WCIA.
Master Gardener Impact
Gain insight on the impact of the Master Gardener program from state Master Gardener specialist Candice Anderson in her interview with DeWitt Daily News.
Interview with State Master Gardener Specialist Candice Anderson
Learn about the Master Gardener program and the 50 year celebration from state Master Gardener Specialist Candice Anderson. Interview conducted by RFD Today.