MONTICELLO, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Piatt County Master Gardeners and a Piatt 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.
Anna Kaczmarek from Monticello 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. Anna began her service as a Piatt County Master Gardener in 2014 and has logged more than 660 hours of volunteer service.
“Anna has most recently served in the leadership role of Chairperson for the Piatt County Master Gardeners Advisory Board,” said Extension Program Coordinator Beth Miglin. “Through her kind and thoughtful demeanor, Anna has built strong relationships that support and encourage her fellow master gardeners. She has skillfully led the monthly meetings while encouraging active participation from master gardeners.” Anna has served as Chair of the Piatt County Master Gardener Advisory Board from 2018 to 2020.
Jane White from Bement 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. Jane has been a Piatt County Master Gardener since 2012 and has logged more than 547 volunteer hours since receiving the State Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2017.
“Jane is a pleasure to work with, she leads by example and is extremely respected in this way,” said Miglin. “She values everyone’s work and contributions to the Master Gardener program. She recognizes the skills and expertise in fellow Master Gardener volunteers and encourages them to get involved in projects utilizing their talents.”
Jane served as Chair of the Piatt County Master Gardener Advisory Board from 2013 to 2015. She co-chaired From the Ground Up Conference from 2017 to 2018. She currently is serving a three- year term on the Illinois Extension State Master Gardener Advisory Board.
The Allerton Park Retreat Center’s Welcome Garden 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. Anna Kaczmarek, Mare Payne, Jane Smith, Kathy Lattz, Jane White, Karen Gentry, Marita Romine, Kristin Pyatt, Rosi McLeese, Esther Nixon, Judy Mitchell, Helen Wilding, Chris Keller, Mike Randall, Mary Kay Randall, and George Johnston have been involved with this project which includes demonstration native, rain, pollinator and sensory gardens. Plant enthusiasts, students, and everyday visitors can use the identification tags and brochures to learn about these types of gardens and plants that grow well throughout the Central Illinois region.
“Piatt County Master Gardeners have successfully collaborated, designed, implemented, and maintained the Allerton Park Welcome Garden, with over 700 volunteer hours contributed since 2015,” said Miglin.
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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