The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program annually acknowledges projects for their impactful and innovative educational outreach with a Teamwork State Award.  The Village Garden in Godfrey was one of 12 projects recognized at the State Master Gardener Conference on Friday, September 6 in Moline, IL. 

The Village Garden includes ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and much more.  The garden also has native prairie areas and an insect hotel to increase native pollinator habitat.  Master Gardener volunteers reported over 670 volunteer hours in 2018.  They also donated over 1,500 pounds of produce to Crisis Food Pantry in Alton last year. 

 “The Village Garden is focused on educating the community,” said Sarah Ruth, University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator.  “The Master Gardeners are happy to share their passion for horticulture and the environment with youth and adults.” 

The Master Gardeners provided pepper and tomato plants in May to Crisis Food Pantry clients.  They taught the clients about caring for the plants, so they could enjoy harvesting their own vegetables.  The Village Garden also partners with Little Knights Daycare.  Youth visit the garden in the spring and learn about gardening.  Some Alton High School National Honor Society students volunteer at the garden during the summer.  The students learn about gardening from the Master Gardeners, and after a few weeks, the students work in the garden with confidence.  

“The Master Gardeners research and design new garden areas annually,” said Ruth.  “It’s exciting to see the landscape at the garden change from season to season.” 

Master Gardeners that volunteer at the site include:  Dale Albers, Alton; Noncy Dooling, Godfrey; Cindy Gelsthorpe, Godfrey; Lisa Mosby, Brighton; Susan Murray, Godfrey; Nancy Orrill, Godfrey; Debbie Owen, Glen Carbon; Judy Roth, Godfrey; Lois Scott, East Alton; John Schlafer, Dow; Susie Schmidt, Godfrey; and Kim Schoenfeld, Edwardsville.

The Village Garden is located behind the Village of Godfrey Office, 6810 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL.  Visitors are welcome at the garden.  You can connect with Master Gardeners on Wednesday mornings during their workdays. 

For more information about the Master Gardener program, contact Sarah Ruth at 618-344-4230 or ruth1@illinois.edu.  Training begins in January.