DECATUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Macon County Master Gardeners and a Macon County Master Gardener teamwork project as state award winners. The winners were recognized on October 2, 2020, during a virtual awards ceremony that featured a video showcase of the winning teamwork projects and an educational guest speaker.
JC Nashland from Mt. Zion was recognized as a State Outstanding Master Gardener award winner. The State Outstanding Master Gardener award was established to honor the best of Illinois Master Gardeners. Only 1-2% of active Master Gardeners in the state are recognized with this award annually. JC began his service as a Macon County Master Gardener in 2012 and has logged more than 630 hours of volunteer service.
“JC has demonstrated his leadership in several areas of the Master Gardener program,” said Extension Program Coordinator Beth Miglin. “He promotes new ideas as well as improves existing events and locations with current Master Gardeners.”
JC has served as Monarch Madness co-chair from 2017 to 2020 and co-chair of the Macon County Garden Walk in 2019.
Doug Antonelli from Mt. Zion was recognized with the Sustained Excellence State Master Gardener Award. The Sustained Excellence State Master Gardener award is given to previous State Outstanding Master Gardener Award winners who have continued to develop in their Master Gardener career with new responsibilities and initiatives. Doug has been a Macon County Master Gardener since 2010 and has logged more than 1477 volunteer hours since receiving the State Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2012.
“Doug took the lead on the Heritage Garden at Rock Springs by developing a garden plan for the three seasons garden and scheduling volunteer labor with a list of garden needs,” said Miglin. “The Heritage Garden is a partnership with both Macon County Conservation District who owns the land and Connie's Greenhouse who starts the seeds in spring. The Heritage garden has donated up to 700 pounds per year to local food pantries.”
Doug served on the Macon County Master Gardener Advisory Board from 2011 to 2014 and was chairperson from 2012 to 2014.
The Macon County Monarch Madness team received the State Master Gardener Teamwork Award. The State Master Gardener Teamwork Award recognizes Master Gardener projects that are impactful, innovative, and replicable statewide. JC Nashland, Ruby Mathews, Karen Parks, Richard Zerfowski, Paul Foster, Jacque Wrigley, Deb McFarling, Sandy Barnett, Lori Jensen, Lana Hoey, Marge Evans, Lois Mumma, and Nancy Derby have been involved with this project which promotes awareness, education, and appreciation for the monarch butterfly.
“Monarch Madness has been an increasingly popular Macon County Master Gardener event because of the outstanding leadership and teamwork,” said Miglin. “The team has created strong community outreach and collaboration with partners that make this event successful. The Macon County Master Gardener team embodies ‘helping others learn to grow’ through teaching the importance of monarch preservation and bringing educational resources and information to the community.”
Source: Beth Miglin, Extension Program Coordinator, horticulture, University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties
Writer: Maria Lightner, Marketing & Communications, University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties
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