About the Master Gardener ProgramMaster Gardeners are a vital link in delivering information. The Master Gardener program is an adult volunteer program sanctioned by Land Grant universities in all 50 states and functions as an extension of the university. In Illinois the program is sponsored by the University of Illinois and is under the direction of the Cooperative Extension Service. Locally the Master Gardeners are a part of the Champaign Cooperative Extension Unit. Not all units have a Master Gardener program. Master Gardener projects include answering home gardener questions in the Unit office through phone or office visits. They serve as resource person in community gardens, at schools, parks or nursing homes. They work with youth in the school gardening program "Grow with Gardening" in 4-H projects or special gardens. Master Gardeners assist in preparing and staffing exhibits, displays and demonstration sites. They give demonstrations and talks to local civic groups. The Master Gardener program is open to anyone who has a sincere desire to learn and share their gardening knowledge with other home gardeners, has some practical experience in horticulture, can attend all the daytime training sessions and has the ability and willingness to volunteer at least 70 hours of educational service to the Champaign Unit. Training sessions are taught by U of I specialists or educators. Sessions include: botany, soils, fertilizers, fruits, flowers, trees, insects, diseases, composting, vegetables, lawns, pruning and safe pesticide usage. Each Master Gardener receives a Master Gardener manual and many resource bulletins. Master Gardeners are asked to make a monetary deposit at the beginning of training. Once volunteer time is given, part of the deposit is returned to the Master Gardener. |
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