Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties- For 47 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.

From farms and small-town to suburbs and the inner city, more than 2,600 volunteers statewide put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice by providing gardening education and outreach in their communities. Take your love of gardening to the next level by joining the Master Gardeners in 2023.
 
Hybrid Master Gardener Training starts September 12. Participants will study online each week and then attend a weekly in-person session each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to Noon for 13 weeks. In-person sessions will be at the University of Illinois Extension- McLean County office at 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington.

The hybrid training is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who need more flexibility to participate in the program. The online portion of this hybrid model allows trainees to learn at their own pace each week and then participate in weekly sessions with their fellow trainees.

The online training modules include videos, reading materials, weekly quizzes, and a final exam. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth horticulture content through modules including annuals and perennials, vegetables, trees, fruits, and more.
 
For more information or to fill out an application form, contact Kayla Green, Extension Program Coordinator, at 309-663-8306 or kgree6@illinois.edu. A maximum of 20 trainees will be accepted into Livingston, McLean & Woodford County training. Registration closes on August 1. The cost of the training, including the Master Gardener training manual and all classes, is $250. Financial assistance may be available to qualified individuals. A required University of Illinois volunteer background screening and interview will be completed before being accepted into the program.

After receiving training, volunteers participate in education programs in their communities. Those opportunities may include speaking at local libraries, 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.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the McLean County Extension office at 309-663-8306. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.