Sterling, Ill.-The University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce that Master Gardener Training will be held with a flipped classroom style starting in September. This training is intended for the residents of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Whiteside and Lee Counties. Interested people can apply now for the training.  Applications can be obtained by emailing brucejb@illinois.edu or on the web at go.illinois.edu/clwmgtraining.

To allow participants more flexibility during this training, we will be using a flipped classroom style training instead of the traditional classroom style of Master Gardener training. Each week, trainees will be given a reading assignment and a quiz like the classroom style training. What is unique is that instead of being in a class for 7 hours in one day, trainees will be given 2-4 videos to watch at their own pace before meeting online via zoom with the section instructor on Thursdays from 9-10:30 AM for discussion, review and follow-up.  Training consists of 12 sessions (2 of which are optional) conducted on Thursdays, starting on September 3 and continuing through November 19. 

Coursework covers botany, soils and fertility, woody ornamentals/pruning, organic gardening, vegetables, annuals & perennials, fruits, insect identification and control, turf management, disease diagnosis and control, U of I resources, and more!

Once training is complete, participants join the existing Master Gardener volunteers in their county and serve the community, fulfilling the Master Gardner mission “Helping others learn to grow.” As volunteers, Master Gardeners make a difference in the community.

Pre-registration is required to attend Master Gardener Training. An orientation interview will be conducted with participants in advance of the class. Registration for the training is $175 to cover the cost of the manual. For more information about Master Gardener Training, contact Bruce Black at (217) 244-1923 or brucejb@illinois.edu.