For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the last four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state.

This year marks the 46th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program. With over 2,600 members today, Illinois Master Gardeners have given more than 2,309,348 volunteer hours, a value of over $46 million, to the state.

Today, Master Gardener volunteers—who come from farms, small towns, suburbs, and cities—offer numerous educational opportunities related to gardening in nearly every county in the state. In Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne Counties we are in the process of making this program come to life once again.  We have had active Master Gardeners in the past, and knew this would be something great to bring to the forefront of Extension once again.

Currently, we have a new volunteer who has completed the Winter training in Edwards County.  Darla Bradham has always loved all flowers.  Since her retirement, Darla has successfully completed the Master Gardener training and this has been on her bucket list for a long time.  This has been something she has always wanted to do and we are excited that she has plans to volunteer with Extension and projects are in the works for her to complete her 60 hours of internship.  Once this is complete she will be an active member of the Illinois Master Gardener program.  Plans are currently being made to do a volunteer program for the Boy Scouts of Olney.  Other projects are being tossed around and Darla will be working with other Master Gardeners within the unit.   

The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” After 60 hours of training in topics such as vegetable and flower gardening, insect problems, and plant diseases, the volunteers participate in programs throughout their communities. Some of those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups, or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools; and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.

You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening, some time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others. The program is more about connections; connecting people with other gardeners, with their community, and with reliable resources for information. Once connections are forged, it’s time to get sowing and growing in our many meaningful community projects.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and becoming a Master Gardener in Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, or Wayne Counties, another round of online training happen this Summer with and registrations underway.  You can contact Tara Buerster, County Director at 618-445-2934 or buerste2@illinois.edu for more information. We would love to have more volunteers join in! 

Darla Bradham

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the Edwards Co. Extension office at 618.445.2934.  Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.