ROCKFORD, Ill. – Two Winnebago County Master Gardeners with Illinois Extension were recognized for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication during the 2026 Illinois Master Gardener Conference, held recently in Rockford, Illinois.
The Illinois Extension Master Gardener program connects trained volunteers with opportunities to share research-based horticulture knowledge and serve their local communities. This year, Winnebago County volunteers Anita Johnson and Barbara Flores received statewide recognition for the impact they have made through years of service.
Johnson received the State Outstanding Master Gardener Award, recognizing her exceptional involvement and service within the Master Gardener program.
Johnson completed her Master Gardener training in 2009 and is also a Master Naturalist. Since joining the program, she has contributed 1,379 volunteer hours and completed 73 hours of continuing education.
Her volunteer service extends throughout the community. Johnson serves as a docent at Anderson Japanese Gardens, where she guides guests through the 12-acre property and shares information about the history and design of the gardens. She also regularly participates in the Master Gardener Book Club, which meets monthly to explore and discuss topics related to gardening, horticulture, and the natural world.
Flores received the Sustained Excellence Award, recognizing her continued dedication and service since receiving the State Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2013.
Flores completed her Master Gardener training in 2009 and has remained an active volunteer throughout the years. Since 2014, she has contributed more than 1,861 volunteer hours and completed 76 hours of continuing education.
A significant part of Flores’ volunteer work has been dedicated to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry Garden. Established 14 years ago, the garden provides fresh produce to the community through the Master Gardener Plant-a-Row program. Each year, the garden donates more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to help provide locally grown food to community members in need.
“I have known these two volunteers for many years and can say they have both enriched our communities through their tireless efforts. Not only are they accomplished gardeners, they are also giving, compassionate friends to many,” said Margaret Larson, County Extension Director for Illinois Extension Unit 1.
Through their work as Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers, Johnson and Flores demonstrate the impact Extension can have in local communities. By sharing their knowledge, continuing their own education, and dedicating their time to meaningful volunteer projects, they help carry Illinois Extension’s mission of providing research-based education and resources into the communities it serves.
Illinois Extension congratulates Anita Johnson and Barbara Flores on these well-deserved statewide honors.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.