URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program. Now, the University of Illinois Extension is celebrating the 50-year legacy and accomplishments of the Illinois Master Gardener volunteer program. 

Illinois Extension Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents in cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, and support the environment. In 2023 alone, 2,358 active volunteers invested 165,508 hours of service to improve the well-being of their environment and those who live in it.

The national Master Gardener program is rooted in the Northwest, where phone lines were ringing off the hook in the early 1970s for Washington State University Extension Agents David Gibby and Bill Scheer, with people asking for advice on home garden maintenance. They devised a plan to educate volunteers on the science of gardening and then to disperse the information to the public. Their idea blossomed and branched out, eventually inspiring the spread of the Master Gardener program to all 50 states. 

In 1975, Floyd Giles, former Extension horticulture specialist, and state Master Gardener coordinator, formed the first Master Gardener program in Illinois, based in Will County and neighboring Chicagoland, DuPage, and Cook counties. The first training session had humble beginnings in the Des Plaines post office. Today, the program continues to expand across Illinois, involving local gardening projects in rural villages, suburban communities, and urban centers. 

Since its inception in Illinois, the Master Gardener program has witnessed 50 years of countless volunteers dedicating their time and efforts to support projects. These initiatives include community gardens, therapeutic gardening programs, school partnerships, and education on environmental stewardship, among others. 

"We are incredibly proud of the growth in the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program and the impact it has made over the past 50 years," said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist. "Our volunteers are the core of our program, and each one is passionate about making gardening accessible to everyone across Illinois and serving their communities in impactful ways. This celebration allows us to reflect on our achievements while fostering plans for the future."  

As the program marks 50 years of positive impact, Master Gardeners continue to uphold their mission of "Helping Others Learn to Grow." In celebration of this golden milestone, in 2025, Extension will offer local and regional events, celebrate generations of volunteers and staff, and continue highlighting the program's evolution and momentum for the future. 

"From the corners of micro-communities to bustling cities, the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program has become a trusted source of horticulture education for gardeners across the state," said Associate Dean and Director of Extension Shelly Nickols-Richardson, "Their impact on the state is felt through lasting relationships between natural resources, broader agricultural production, and people. We are excited to support an equitable future that promotes continued growth, engagement, and inclusivity for all individuals." 

Looking ahead, the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program will continue to adapt to meet the needs of Illinois residents and welcome new generations of gardeners from various backgrounds. Reinforcing the mission, program leaders will continue actively eliminating participation barriers. Hybrid training models have been adopted by the locally provided Master Gardener programs statewide, aligning with Illinois Extension's newly launched 10-year Strategic Plan, aimed at advancing digital accessibility, supporting families, providing safe and culturally responsible food sources, and promoting sustainability. 

Rooted in a legacy of education, environmental stewardship, and the development of impactful gardening projects, Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are enduringly committed to answering the call for gardening knowledge in Illinois. 

Fifty Years of Impact by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of positive impact across Illinois in 2025. Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. 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.