DECATUR, Ill. — Over 280 volunteers across Illinois attended the University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener Conference in Tinley Park. The conference featured educational sessions, a keynote address, and tours of the Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Gardens, and Ball Trial Seed Gardens. Three area Master Gardeners received a 2022 Outstanding Master Gardener award.

Jane Smith, DeWitt County Master Gardener, has been a Master Gardener since 2015. Jane has been a co-leader for the Allerton Welcome Garden and provided leadership to the growing DeWitt Master Gardener Program.

Barbara Hannon, Macon County Master Gardener, has been a Master Gardener since 2011. Her most recent endeavors include maintaining the Staley Mansion Garden and assisting in certification by the Illinois Herb Society of the Herb Garden at the Decatur Public Library.

Mare Payne, Piatt County Master Gardener, has been a Master Gardener since 2015, contributing over 100 volunteer hours each year. Mare has also provided strong leadership to the Allerton Welcome Garden and the Piatt County Garden Walk

The Outstanding State Master Gardener Award honors the best of Illinois Master Gardeners, recognizing only 1 to 2 percent of active Master Gardeners in the state with this award annually.

WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension.

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