BELVIDERE, Ill.— The Boone County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge this spring through two free educational programs offered in March at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere. Space is limited. Reserve their spot by calling the library at 815‑544‑3838.
The first program, Gardening for Pollinators, will be held Thursday, March 5, from 6–7 p.m. Participants will learn how to select the right plants, design pollinator‑friendly garden spaces, and support local wildlife in ways that are both beautiful and ecologically beneficial. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning, this session offers practical, research‑based tips to help your garden thrive. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with nature, boost biodiversity, and enjoy a landscape that truly buzzes with life.
On Thursday, March 12, from 6–7 p.m., a Master Gardener will present Native Alternatives for Landscaping. This program explores the value of native plants—species that naturally occur in a region based on climate, soil, and environmental conditions. Central Illinois is home to a rich diversity of prairie and woodland plants, and interest in native landscaping has grown as more gardeners consider sustainability and long‑term ecological health. Attendees will discover native options that enhance beauty while supporting local ecosystems.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Program Coordinator Jan Saglier at 815‑544‑3710 or jsaglier@illinois.edu.
About Master Gardeners: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are rooted in community and grow through connection, studying and sharing research-based horticulture topics, including vegetable gardening, insects, tree and small fruits, introductory botany, integrated pest management, turfgrass care, plant diseases, tree and shrub care, soils and fertilizer, and flower gardening. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, enhance neighborhood beauty, and support the environment. Help Master Gardeners grow.
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 700 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.