DECATUR, Ill. — Do you have an interest in gardening, a desire to share your knowledge with others, and time to volunteer in the community? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener volunteer program serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties may be the perfect fit for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Master Gardener’s in-person fall training class.
Illinois Extension educators and specialists teach Master Gardener volunteer training. The training emphasizes practical, research-based information and includes topics such as: botany, annuals and perennials, soils, insects, woody ornamental, vegetables, fruits, turf, integrated pest management, and wildlife.
Master Gardener volunteers promote well-being through therapeutic horticulture activities and contribute to a safe and abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable gardening.
“Master Gardener volunteers enjoy serving their communities by helping people find sound management practices for urban, rural, and natural settings,” says Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel.
DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties fall classes will be Mondays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. September 13 to December 6. Classes will be at the Macon County Extension Office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., in Decatur. Fee for the class is $175, and partial fee waivers are available. Registration for the fall class is open now through September 6. Apply online for the program at go.illinois.edu/MGDMP or contact Julia Duncan in Macon County at julia8@illinois.edu or call (217) 877-6042. For DeWitt and Piatt counties, contact Beth Miglin at bmiglin@illinois.edu or call (217) 762-2191.
The horticulture program is a branch of University of Illinois Extension that provides research-based information and training about soil testing, tree health, lawn care, pest identification and control, vegetable gardening and more. The horticulture program also provides Master Gardener training. More information is available at go.illinois.edu/dmp.
SOURCE: Sarah Vogel, Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.