MARION, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners measure 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 becoming a Master Gardener in 2023.
The training will introduce participants to in-depth horticulture content through 10 topics, including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management, organic gardening, and more. The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and quizzes. A strong internet connection is highly recommended.
After completing their training, volunteers participate in educational programs in their communities. 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.
The hybrid course includes 11 weeks of hybrid online materials and live sessions from February 7 to April 18. The live sessions will take place at the Williamson County Extension office located at 1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion, IL 62959 (next to Rural King) from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is open until February 1. The cost for the hybrid option is $200. To learn more about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, please contact Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling at (618) 687-1727 or kimrohli@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Kim Rohling. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.
SOURCE: Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling, Illinois Extension, kimrohli@illinois.edu, (618) 687-1727
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