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Bruce Black

photo of bruce black
Horticulture Educator
Address

12923 Lawrence Road Sterling IL 61081

Phone
815-632-3611
Program Areas
Horticulture

Bruce J. Black is the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. He provides horticulture-related educational opportunities for community members, schools, Master Gardener volunteers, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

Black’s primary focus is addressing the different generational horticulture educational needs and inspiring the next generation of gardeners. His primary areas of expertise are in fruit and vegetable production, plant propagation, and community and youth garden education.

Black is 2014 graduate of Iowa State University receiving a Master’s of Agriculture in Professional Agriculture, and a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, with an emphasis in fruit and vegetable production (2013). As part of his master’s project, Black researched the effects of Master Gardeners teaching youth in a community garden. Black assisted in teaching three courses: plant propagation, hands-on horticulture, and herbaceous perennials.

Memberships:

Publications: 

Journal of Extension, October 2016, Master Gardener–Led Lessons Increase Knowledge in Gardening and Environmental Science for Iowa Summer Camp Youth

Over the Garden Fence Blog

Raise, Grow, Harvest, Eat, Repeat Blog

Gardeners Corner

Awards:

Excellence in Evaluation Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2021

Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture, State Winner, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2021 

Excellence in 4-H, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2019

Action Award, Illinois Extension Agricultural Association, 2018

Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2018

Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture, State Winner, Illinois Extension Agricultural Association, 2016

Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence Award, University of Illinois Extension, 2016

Communications Award, National Finalist - Team Newsletter Division, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2016

 

Research Interests:

  • Plant propagation
  • Fruit and vegetable production
  • Youth horticulture education