JOLIET, Ill. — Local volunteers leading impactful local projects did not go unnoticed at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference, held Sept. 4-5 in Springfield.
"Local Master Gardener volunteers are helping others learn to grow and are making a significant difference," said Nancy Kuhajda, horticulture educator with Illinois Extension who leads the program locally. "It’s important to pause and recognize those whose work is truly exceptional. These volunteers work tirelessly in our communities and dedicate themselves to public education, enhancing natural resources for pollinators, and donating fresh produce."
Each year, the Master Gardener Awards recognize exceptional projects and volunteers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Nominations are submitted in three categories: Outstanding, Teamwork, and Sustained Excellence, and are reviewed by the state Master Gardener advisory committee, which evaluates and scores each submission based on established criteria.
This year's award recipients from Will County were recognized for their outstanding contributions. These awards are a big achievement: according to Kuhajda, only one or two percent of volunteers will ever receive these awards. These projects and volunteer efforts reflect the shared commitment to improving our neighbors' lives through gardening.
Local recipients of 2025 Awards:
Merry Jo Montgomery (Wilmington, IL)
2025 Outstanding Award
Merry Jo Montgomery epitomizes the Illinois Master Gardener Mission of "Helping others learn to grow." She brings a deep passion for gardening and nature, and has a special way of knowing just how to share it with others. Her creativity shines through in educational tools such as the anatomically accurate quilted worm and lima bean fabric models, which have become iconic representations of her innovative approach. Her recent leadership in launching and managing the Mill Race Pollinator Garden in Wilmington highlights how a simple idea, fueled by passion and community engagement, can make a meaningful impact for the local community and pollinators.
Amy Stewart (Joliet, IL) and Sue Gregory (Shorewood, IL)
2025 Teamwork Award
Joliet Central Garden Club and the Joliet West Garden Club
Master Gardeners Amy Stewart and Sue Gregory lead and manage the garden clubs at Joliet Central and Joliet West High Schools, currently the largest non-sport clubs in both high schools. Their leadership and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind this success and they are passionate about fulfilling the mission of "Helping others learn to grow." This team effort presents unique challenges, as many students begin with little to no experience in gardening, tools, or plants. Yet, Amy and Sue bring expert knowledge and a special ability to connect with teens, inspiring them to participate in club activities and apply their new gardening skills at home.
This year's annual conference marked 50 Years of the Master Gardener program’s mission of helping others learn to grow. The celebration featured hands-on workshops, a timeless garden and historical home tours, and a keynote session on designing gardens that appeal to all five senses in the garden. A panel discussion with former yet foundational extension staff highlighted the program's roots in communities and its continued growth through connection across Illinois.
"It's been five decades since this program's purposeful start and mission to help others learn to grow," said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist. Over the years, this program has grown more than just plants; it has built strong relationships that continue to connect communities across Illinois."
For more information on the Master Gardener program and to give back to your community by helping others learn to grow, visit extension.illinois.edu/mg.
Writers: Anthony Warmack, Communications Coordinator; Shekina Mullen, Media Communications Coordinator.
Media access: Photos of award recipients are available to download for media use. For press inquires, contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, 217-244-5813. Want to keep in touch with news from Illinois Extension? Sign up for press updates.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.
Fifty Years of Impact by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of positive impact across Illinois in 2025. Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, enhance neighborhood beauty, and support the environment. Help Master Gardeners grow.