DUQUOIN, Ill.— During the DuQuoin State Fair, several Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists will be available to answer horticulture related topics and share information on the area’s natural resources. They will be stationed at the Expo Hall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Aug. 24 through Sept. 1. In addition, several Master Gardener volunteers will be hosting pop-up programming throughout the duration of the fair.
University of Illinois Extension uses trained Master Gardener volunteers to meet the constant demand for horticultural consumer information by citizens of our state and region. The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping Others Learn to Grow." Master Gardeners involve people in improving the quality of life by helping them find sound management practices for home and urban natural resources, creating aesthetically pleasing environments, promoting well-being through people-plant interactions and horticultural therapy and by contributing to a safe, abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable production.
Our Master Naturalist program is made up of a corps of volunteers that provide support in the conservation, management and interpretation of the area’s natural resources. They host conservation activities in local natural areas and conduct environmental programming through presentations, tours and displays.
If you’re looking for a break from the heat at the fair, come check out some interesting demonstrations from U of I Extension Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists!
Pop-Up Programming Schedule:
Saturday, Aug. 24- Propagation at 2:30 p.m. and Mulching at 3 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25- Kokedama Balls at 3 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 26- Gardening Heirloom Crops at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 28- Kokedama Balls at 3 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 29- Mulching at 3 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 30- Propagation at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31- Mulching at 3 p.m.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact your local registration office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
News Source: Austin Little, 618-687-1727, little84@illinois.edu
News Writer: Heather Willis, 618-357-2126, hdwillis@illinois.edu