2008 Year in Review

U of I Extension Offers Horticulture Training

Interested in Gardening?

Are you interested in gardening...landscaping...fruit trees? Do you want to learn more but don't know where to go? University of Illinois Extension is the place to call. The Master Gardener Volunteer program offers over 60 hours of horticultural training.

Master Gardeners are a vital link in getting horticulture information to the public. They provide quick answers to a variety of home gardening questions. The 60 hours of in-depth training from University of Illinois educators and specialists is presented practically, yet making sure it's unbiased and research-based. Basic botany, vegetables, tree fruits, small fruits, insects, diseases, soils, fertilizers and ornamentals such as trees and flowers are a sampling of the topics taught.

Master Gardeners are ordinary people with two special qualities - a love of gardening and nature, and the desire to share that knowledge with others. You must be 18 years of age or older. There are no special requirements other than filling out the application at the Whiteside County Extension Office. Class size is limited in certain locations so an interview may be necessary.

2009 classes start January 16 in Morrison. They are offered one day a week for 10 weeks. There is a manual fee and some location fees. As a trained Master Gardener Volunteer you will be asked to volunteer a minimum of 60 hours of service, mostly during the weekdays. Volunteering can take the form of answering questions from gardeners at the local extension office, or it may entail manning an exhibit at a local mall or garden center. Some Master Gardeners speak at local programs or do media work. Community service projects such as youth gardening and horticultural therapy are possible. All volunteer projects must be pre-approved by local University of Illinois Extension staff.

Helping others put knowledge to work is our ultimate goal. If interested, contact the Whiteside County Extension Office at (815) 772-4075 for more information.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 17, 2008