BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate McLean County Master Gardener, Julie Murphy, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on Friday, September 8 in East Peoria. 

Julie was recognized as a 2023 Outstanding Master Gardener in Illinois. The Outstanding Master Gardener State Award was established to honor the best of Illinois Master Gardeners. Only the top 2% of Illinois State Master Gardeners win this award annually. They must excel in leadership, determination, positivity, and initiative, and be highly involved in the program.

Since joining the Master Garden program in the fall of 2019, Julie has been an active and valued volunteer for the McLean County Master Gardeners. She has been a leader and garden mentor at the Sarah’s Garden project at David Davis Mansion. Julie is a member of the Client Services Committee, regularly working at the Help Desk answering community members’ gardening questions. She has also been involved in the Holton Homes vegetable and flower gardens, leading educational activities at community events for children and adults.

Congratulations again to Julie on this well-deserved award! If you see Julie or other McLean County Master Gardeners teaching or out working in the community, thank them for their outstanding efforts in improving the community and helping others learn to grow.

For more information about the McLean County Master Gardener program, visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW_MG or contact the McLean County Extension Office at (309) 663- 8306.