August 10, 2021 – Do you have an interest in gardening, a desire to share your knowledge with others, and time to volunteer in the community? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener volunteer program serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties may be the perfect fit for you. Applications are now being accepted for the Master Gardener’s in-person fall training class.
Illinois Extension educators and specialists teach Master Gardener volunteer training. The training emphasizes practical, research-based information and includes topics such as: botany, annuals and perennials, soils, insects, woody ornamental, vegetables, fruits, turf, integrated pest management, and wildlife.
Master Gardener volunteers promote well-being through therapeutic horticulture activities and contribute to a safe and abundant food supply through home fruit and vegetable gardening.
“Master Gardener volunteers enjoy serving their communities by helping people find sound management practices for urban, rural, and natural settings,” says Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel.
DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties fall classes will be Mondays, 5:30 to 8:30 pm September 13 to December 6. Classes will be at the Macon County Extension Office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., in Decatur. The fee for the class is $175, and partial fee waivers are available.
Registration for the fall class is open now through September 6. Apply online for the program at go.illinois.edu/MGtrainingDmp. Contact Julia Duncan in Macon County at julia8@illinois.edu, or call (217) 877-6042. For DeWitt and Piatt counties, contact Beth Miglin at bmiglin@illinois.edu, or call (217) 762-2191.
The horticulture program is a branch of University of Illinois Extension that provides research-based information and training about soil testing, tree health, lawn care, pest identification and control, vegetable gardening, and more. The horticulture program also provides Master Gardener training.
