Become an Illinois Extension of Kane Co. Master Gardener

ST. CHARLES, IL — Do you like to learn new things? Do you want to give back to your community? Consider becoming a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener.

The Illinois Extension of Kane County will host an informational meeting June 18 in St. Charles. Interested individuals can meet certified Master Gardeners, learn more about this valuable volunteer program, and understand how it serves local communities, according to a news release.

“Master Gardeners are a diverse group of residents with a desire to learn and share knowledge with their communities,” said Sarah Fellerer, Master Gardener Program Coordinator in Kane and Kendall Counties. “You do not need to be an experienced gardener to qualify. If you are looking for a way to volunteer and grow your knowledge of horticulture, this may be the opportunity for you.”

Master Gardeners reach into the communities with service projects in partnership with local organizations, and they also staff the Master Gardener Help Desk by answering the phone line and assisting residents who come to the office with garden and landscape questions, according to a news release.

The Master Gardener program provides 60 hours of horticultural training in return for 60 hours of volunteer time. Half of the first 60 volunteer hours must be completed at the Master Gardener Help Desk, which is open to the public five days a week during the growing season.

The 2019 training program will begin Sept. 10 and run through Nov. 12. Classes will be held each Tuesday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension office in St. Charles.

Core topics taught are botany, soils and fertilizers, vegetables, woody ornamentals, fruits, insects and disease diagnosis, pesticide safety and perennials. A program fee of $350 covers the training costs and includes a copy of the award winning Illinois Master Gardener Manual.

“I encourage anyone curious about the Master Gardener program to attend our June meeting,” Fellerer said. “Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the program and share their projects and experiences.”

The informational meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at 535 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, between Routes 38 and 64, across from the Circuit Clerk’s office. To register, email Sarah Fellerer at fellerer@illinois.edu or call the Extension office at 630-584-6166.