MARION, Ill. – Each year, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions nationwide who will be spotlighted during National Volunteer Month this April.
A new class of nine Master Naturalist trainees began this month, right as a class of Master Gardener trainees graduate from their training. Both groups of volunteers are being trained in Williamson County, but participants live throughout southern Illinois.
Our 11 Master Gardener graduates will enter an internship phase in which they begin giving back to their communities through a variety of volunteer projects. From food donation gardens to pollinator gardens, youth educational programs to senior citizen educational programs, our volunteers find many ways to help others learn to grow.
Master Naturalist trainees will begin a journey of learning about the natural wonder of southern Illinois, from water systems to forests, the plants and animals that reside in them, and much more. After training, they will join a current group of volunteers working to remove invasive species and trash from our public lands, partner with local agencies to deliver environmental education and serve as docents, and contribute to community science.
“Our volunteers are involved in a diverse array of projects, each giving back in their own way to benefit our communities,” says Extension Educator Erin Garrett.
In 2022, Master Gardener volunteers in southern Illinois gave 985 hours, valued at $29,500. Master Naturalist volunteers gave over 3,250 volunteer hours, valued at $97,335.
“Our volunteers are instrumental in carrying out the mission of University of Illinois Extension, putting over $126,835 worth of volunteer time back into our southern Illinois communities last year,” states Garrett.
Thank you, to all Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers, for your impact on our local communities!
To learn how you can be a part of the next group of Master Naturalist or Master Gardener trainees, contact your local Extension office.
WRITER: Erin Garrett*, natural resources, environment, and energy Extension educator, (618) 524-2270, emedvecz@illinois.edu
*Adapted from an article written by Mary Jo Williams, state 4-H youth development specialist, University of Missouri.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.