BELVIDERE, Ill.— The Boone County Master Gardeners will offer a series of free educational programs this fall at local libraries and community events. Residents are invited to learn about seeds, insects, trees, bats, and more through hands‑on, expert‑led sessions. All library programs are free, though registration is requested. Register online or by calling. Library Locations & Contact Information: Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere; Phone: 815-544-3838; Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley; Phone: 815-332-5161. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to attend programming, call the Boone County Extension Office at 815-544-3710.
September 8 – 6:00 p.m.
250 Celebration of Seeds, Ida Public Library, Belvidere. Learn about heirloom seeds and plants. Heirloom means documented heritage, passed down through families and communities, usually for over 50 years. Presented by Master Gardener Jennifer. Registration: https://idapubliclibrary.org/registration/
September 9 – 6:00 p.m.
Beneficial Insects, Cherry Valley Public Library Join us for an educational program to learn about beneficial insects—and how to encourage them to visit your garden. Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all. Presented by Master Gardener Bobbi. Registration: https://cherryvalleylib.librarymarket.com/event/its-buggy-world-why-our-gardens-need-insects-82485
September 26 – 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Master Gardeners at the Belvidere Farmers Market, Wild Cherries Parking Lot, 413 Southtowne Drive, Belvidere. Master Gardeners will provide information on tree care basics, tree selection, and tree identification. Visitors may also bring their garden, lawn, houseplant, and landscaping questions for on‑site assistance.
September 29 – 6:00 p.m.
250 Celebration of Seeds, Cherry Valley Public Library, Presented by Master Gardener Jennifer. Registration: https://cherryvalleylib.librarymarket.com/event/heritage-plants-82786
October 4 – 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Boone County Farm Stroll, A self‑guided tour of local farms in Boone County. Brochure link of participating farms: go.illinois.edu/2026BooneCountyFarmStrollBrochure
October 26 – 6:00 p.m.
Bats Presentation at Ida Public Library. They’re basically fuzzy sky puppies with a talent for dramatic entrances. Presented by Master Gardener Tenley. Registration: https://idapubliclibrary.org/registration/
October 27 – 6:00 p.m.
Deadly Plants Cherry Valley Public Library. Did you know some plants are toxic? Would you know how to spot them? Presented by Master Gardener Bobbi. Registration: https://cherryvalleylib.librarymarket.com/event/deadly-plants-82486
About the Boone County Master Gardeners: The Boone County Master Gardeners provide research‑based horticulture education and outreach throughout the community. Their fall programming offers residents opportunities to learn practical gardening skills, explore ecological topics, and engage with trained volunteers.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.