University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardener volunteers are available to answer your home horticulture questions about lawns, trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower gardens, pest management, houseplants and much more. They are available through fall on Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – noon by calling (618) 344-4230 or (618) 939-3434. There is no fee for this assistance.

You may also bring in a live sample or photos for them to view to assist in your diagnosis. We also have a full laboratory available at University of Illinois Plant Clinic in Champaign for a nominal fee for those issues that require further testing to diagnose.

University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs are open to the public with training offered once each year for each program. The Master Gardener training runs January through April and the Master Naturalist program begins in late August through October. The Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers are involved in a variety of projects and programs throughout the Madison-Monroe-St. Clair unit, delivering thousands of volunteer hours each year. There is a training fee for each program, which covers program materials and supplies.

For more information about how you can become involved, please contact Sarah Ruth at ruth1@illinois.edu. University of Illinois Extension offers equal opportunities in programs and employment. For more information, you may call (618) 344-4230.