Register Online

Read the Latest News

Contact Us

Nancy Pollard
Extension Educator, Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
One Prairie Office Center, Suite 208
4749 Lincoln Mall Drive
Matteson, IL 60443
Phone: 708-679-6889
FAX: 708-679-6855
pollard@illinois.edu

Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator/Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
One Prairie Office Center, Suite 208
4749 Lincoln Mall Drive
Matteson, IL 60443
Phone: 708-679-6889
FAX: 708-679-6855
kreith@illinois.edu

Cook South Suburban Master Gardeners

Cook South Suburban Master Gardeners

Become a Master Gardener in the South or Southwest Suburbs of Cook County

Master Gardener Mission

The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener Program is: "Helping Others Learn to Grow." Master Gardeners assist people in improving their quality of life, and in enhancing the economy and environment through horticultural education, applied research and the resources of the University of Illinois.

What Is a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are adults of all ages who love gardening and who have previous gardening experience. They come from all aspects of life. You can become a Master Gardener if you have some knowledge or experience in gardening and landscape management (you need not be an 'expert'); are willing to learn about horticulture and share that researched-based information with others; are accepted into a local Master Gardener training program; and can volunteer at least 60 hours conducting horticultural educational programming coordinated through the local University of Illinois Extension Unit.

Education is what we're all about. With no products or services to sell, Master Gardeners can provide unbiased, research-based information from the University of Illinois to the public.

Master Gardener Training topics

  • Botany
  • Soil
  • Woody Plants (Trees, Shrubs)
  • Vegetables
  • Herbaceous flowers & Roses
  • Fruits
  • Insects
  • Turf
  • Plant Pathology (Diseases)
  • Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Safety
  • Volunteer opportunities and procedure

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener trainees participate in about 60 hours of training. The emphasis of the information is practical, yet research based. Students must pass quizzes and a final comprehensive exam (all open book/web). Students who successfully complete training serve a minimum of 60 approved volunteer hours as interns in order to become certified as Master Gardeners.

Location

In 2012, most of the classes will be held at the Orland Park Cultural Arts Center, 14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, IL 60462 * Note: Feb 1 Class to be held at Sand Ridge Nature Center: 15890 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL. 60473 **Note: Feb. 29 Class to be held at Lake Katherine Nature Center: 7402 Lake Katherine Drive Palos Heights, IL. 60463

Date

2012 Master Gardener Training Schedule - South Suburban Cook County

(Dates subject to change)

Wednesdays (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

Orland Park Cultural Center:

14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, IL. 60462

Date

Topic

Educator

11-Jan Botany Nancy Pollard
18-Jan Soil & Fertilizers Ellen Phillips
25-Jan Woody Plants (Trees, Shrubs) Richard Hentschel
1-Feb Plant Pathology (Class held at Sand Ridge Nature Center)* Nancy Pollard
8-Feb Herbaceous Plants & Roses Greg Stack
15-Feb NO CLASS CANCELED
22-Feb Landscape/Volunteer Opportunities/Database Training Nancy Kreith/Active MGs
29-Feb Turf/Ornamental Grasses (Class held at Lake Katherine Nature Center)** Greg Stack
7-Mar Insects/Idea Exchange Nancy Pollard/Nancy Kreith/Active MGs
14-Mar IPM and Pesticide Safety/Risk Management Amy Mysz (EPA)/Larry Wilson
21-Mar Fruits/Insects cont. Nancy Pollard
28-Mar Vegetables Ron Wolford

On-line training may also be available (January through May 2012). This option will require at least two face-to-face classes held in the south or southwest suburbs. ONLINE Training Registration for 2012 Cook South is now closed.

Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities

After receiving the core horticultural training, Master Gardener trainees are required to engage in 60 hours of volunteer work to complete their internship and graduate to become a certified Master Gardener. That volunteer work typically falls under one of these approved categories:

  • Answer consumer calls & questions
  • Gardening with special audiences
  • Home garden research
  • Demonstration gardens
  • Garden classes
  • Informational booths
  • Speakers' bureau
  • School/after-school programs
  • Administrative assistance

How to Apply

Applications for 2012-South Suburban Cook County training are now closed. Cook County has several master gardener programs that are targeted to specific regions: South Suburban, North Suburban, City of Chicago and Chicago Botanic Garden.

When applying to the South/Southwest Suburban U of I Extension Master Gardener program, please be aware that preference will be given to South/Southwest Suburban residents due to limited class size and seating. Master Gardener classes for residents in the North Suburbs are also scheduled for 2012. Master Gardener classes for the City of Chicago and Chicago Botanic Garden are scheduled for 2013, with South Suburban and North Suburban offering classes again in 2014.

This alternating schedule helps to make better use of limited teaching staff and results in a more manageable program. If there are any remaining seats in the 2012 South Suburban class, consideration will be given to those in other areas.

Apply online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/units/survey.cfm?sID=341&UnitID=467. Applications will be kept on file for 2013 ONLINE training or 2014 face-to-face training.

When accepted in the program, the registration and fee payment of $300 will be due before the first day of class. Late registration does not guarantee that your manual will arrive on time. Fee can be paid by credit card, cash, or check. A background check will be conducted before certification can be completed.

For more information e-mail Nancy Pollard, at pollard@illinois.edu.