DECATUR, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Applications to become a Master Gardener through the Spring 2026 Master Gardener Training are now being accepted.
The U of I Extension’s Masters Gardener volunteers share unbiased, research-based information with their communities through community programs, answering public inquiries, maintaining demonstration gardens, and donating food from community gardens.
The training will be offered at both the Decatur Public Library, at 130 North Franklin Street in Decatur, and the Piatt County Extension Offfice, at 210 South Market Street in Monticello. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon beginning February 3 through April 14. The program fee is $175, and fee waivers are available.
The training prepares volunteers through a comprehensive curriculum taught by U of I Extension educators and specialists, covering topics like botany, annuals and perennials, soils, insects, woody ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, turf, integrated pest management, and wildlife.
Those interested should apply by January 26 at go.illinois.edu/mgtrainingdmp. For questions, contact Beth Miglin, Piatt County’s horticulture program coordinator, at 217-762-2192, or Whitney Allison, Macon County’s coordinator, at 217-877-6042.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact program coordinators. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.