The University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce that Master Gardener Training will be held in Stephenson County starting in September. Interested people can apply now for the training. Applications can be obtained by calling the office at (815) 235-4125 or on the web at go.illinois.edu/jsw.
Training is offered yearly throughout the state on a rotational basis so a county may host a training once every three to four years. The last time Master Gardener Training was offered in Stephenson County was 2017.
Training consists of 12 sessions (2 of which are optional) conducted on Thursdays, starting on September 3 and continuing through November 19. To allow participants more flexibility during this training, we will be using a flipped classroom style training instead of the traditional classroom style of Master Gardener training. Each week, trainees will be given a reading assignment and a quiz similar to the classroom style training. What is unique is that instead of being in a class for 7 hours in one day, trainees will be given 2-4 videos to watch at their own pace before meeting with the section instructor on Thursdays from 9-10:30 AM for discussion, review and follow-up.
“We are happy to offer a flipped classroom style Master Gardner training during these uncertain times,” stated Nikki Keltner, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension. “This will enable participants to complete the information at their own pace but the opportunity to meet with an instructor and other participants for an interactive discussion.”
Coursework covers botany, soils and fertility, woody ornamentals/pruning, organic gardening, vegetables, annuals & perennials, fruits, insect identification and control, turf management, disease diagnosis and control, U of I resources, and more!
Once training is complete, participants join the existing Master Gardener volunteers in service to our community, fulfilling the Master Gardner mission “Helping others learn to grow.” As volunteers, Master Gardeners make a difference in the community. Over the last year, the 50 active Master Gardeners in Stephenson County contributed over 1,400 volunteer hours, answering homeowners’ questions, teaching gardening lessons for children, planning and presenting at educational workshops, creating display gardens and working with local organizations.
“Classes and volunteer work complement each other, building on materials learned and sharing it with others in the community,” stated Keltner.
Pre-registration is required to attend Master Gardener Training. An orientation interview will be conducted with participants in advance of the class. Registration for the training is $175. For more information about Master Gardener Training contact Nikki Keltner at (217) 300-4050.