Susan Grupp is a center-based environmental science educator with University of Illinois Extension. She provides leadership and expertise in environmental science and horticulture programs. Grupp has B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Environmental issues are far reaching and touch all areas of peoples' lives. Grupp's work keeps her current on research-based information on a wide range of topics including water quality, green roofs, native landscaping, energy conservation and sustainable living with an eye towards programming for homeowners, businesses and municipalities. She recently organized Extension's Environmental Leadership Conference, Bringing Green Down to Earth. Over 200 local government officials and staff, representing 66 municipalities attended this one-day conference of fact-filled, action-based workshops on how to move communities toward a green recovery and greener future. Grupp is a member of the DuPage County Environmental Commission. She serves on the planning committee for the annual DuPage Environmental Summit.

Her expertise in horticulture programming finds her providing educational information and programming on horticultural topics including invasive insects, integrated pest management and commercial pesticide safety education. Prior to her environmental science educator position, Grupp enjoyed 17 years as a unit-based horticulture Extension educator, in DuPage County, where she initiated many successful programs and managed a Master Gardener volunteer force of over 100.

Grupp was heard on the "Green side Up" weekly radio garden program on WDCB, 90.9 FM (College of DuPage radio station) for over 17 years. She continues as an occasional guest. In addition, she has been featured on cable TV and in various newspapers and national magazines.

Before joining Extension, she held several different management positions in the horticulture industry. She enjoys the peace and quiet of the Northwoods and her hobbies include fishing, golfing, gardening and cooking.

Program Offerings

Going Green in the Home Landscape

How we landscape does make a difference! With simple steps, we can reduce energy use, reduce emissions, conserve and recycle water, reduce garden chemical use and protect biodiversity, habitats and more.

Kermit Was Wrong-It's easy to be Green!

Learn to make eco-friendly choices that will turn your carbon footprint to green. Simple tips for saving energy in the home, conserving water, both inside and out, and environmentally friendly gardening concepts will be shared, including highlights from the Smart Home: Green & Wired exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry

Butterfly Magic

Find out about the fascinating life of butterflies. This workshop will introduce you to their lifecycle and habitat. You'll learn how easy it is to attract them to your yard, garden, or school grounds, and even how to raise them in a classroom or at home. The focus will be painted lady and monarch butterflies. Live specimens make this workshop extra special.

Connecting to Nature Through Nature Journaling

Nature's signals abound, we all sense them everywhere. Regular notes and sketches nurture a deeper connection with nature. In this interactive workshop, participants will discuss the benefits of journaling, create a nature journal and go outside to learn techniques and ways of recording the wonders of what you see, hear, feel and smell.

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