2025 CHICAGO - Request a Youth Program

If you have any questions or need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Meg Marsan, mmarsan@illinois.edu, 217-333-9783

University of Illinois Extension provides presenters that will engage youth in hands-on learning experiences. If you would like to request a program for your Cook County Chicago organization or youth group, please complete this form indicating your program preferences and preferred dates. All groups requesting programs should have a minimum audience of 15 people.

Due to the high volume of requests for our programming, requests should be made at least 10 weeks in advance in order to coordinate our staff and volunteers' schedules and supplies.

To better accommodate groups, we may limit each organization to two programs per calendar year.
*** PLEASE NOTE April dates are very popular and book out months in advance. Please consider a non-April date!

For in-person programs, if your organization is able, we request a cost recovery fee of $50 - $150 for each program in order to cover educational materials for hands-on activities and handouts. We are willing to work with you based on your available funding, donation not required. We greatly appreciate your support and can provide a W-9. Donation checks should be made payable to University of Illinois Extension, the word "donation" on the memo line, and may be mailed to Illinois Extension 8753 S Greenwood Ave. Suite 100. Chicago, IL 60619.

All publicity or promotional materials should give credit to the University of Illinois Extension.

***Please note that Extension staff and volunteers are not permitted to sign contracts and do not deliver program at private residences.

This registration is for Chicago locations ONLY.

Program Descriptions:

Youth programs run between 30-45 minutes. These programs are best suited for captive audiences in a classroom-style setting with education and instruction. Some programs depending on topic and supply availability could include demonstration and hands-on activity.

Monarch Butterflies (45 minute, ages 5-9) - Learn about this magnificent species of butterfly that migrates from Mexico to Canada. We will discuss facts about metamorphosis, habitat, and migration. Youth are invited to make a monarch butterfly caterpillar craft representing the unique color patterns of this interesting larva.
Planting Lettuce or Herbs in a Bag (30 minute, ages 5-9) - Join us to learn about planting basics, seed germination, soil nutrients, plant structure, plant care, and discuss the importance of the four primary plant growth factors. Individuals are invited to make their own mini-greenhouse using a plastic sandwich bag and potting soil to grow herb or lettuce seeds indoors. Keep the plants growing on a sunny windowsill until they are ready to harvest.
Plant Repotting (45 minute, dependent on plant availability, ages 7-18) - Learn what a plant needs to grow and practice repotting! Depending on plant availability this could include herbs or flowers. Discuss plant characteristics and benefits.
Houseplants and Taking A Plant Cutting (45 minute, dependent on plant availability, PowerPoint presentation, ages 11-18) - Learn about houseplants and practice taking a cutting of your own to start growing a houseplant in your home.
Pollinators and Seed Ball Activity (30 minute, not available in winter, ages 5-18) - Youth will learn about specific plant species and how they support pollinators. Participants then combine seed ball matrix with pollinator plant seeds to plant outside!
Seed Germination Necklace (30 minute, ages 5-9) - Join us to learn about seed germination basics and discuss the importance of the four primary plant growth factors. Individuals are invited to make their own seed germination necklace to observe the germination process over time.
Watershed Model (30-45 minute, must have water access, powerpoint presentation optional, ages 5-18) - This program demonstrates how storm water runoff carries pollutants through a watershed. Also discusses management practices to prevent this type of pollution.
Worm Composting (45 minute, powerpoint presentation optional, ages 5-18) - Discover the science behind indoor worm composting. Participants will learn about worm biology and observe red wiggler worms in an indoor composting bin. Models and microscopes will be provided so that participants can take a closer look at adult and baby worms and worm cocoons. Possibility to create a class worm bin.

If you have any questions or need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Meg Marsan, mmarsan@illinois.edu, 217-333-9783. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Extension Councils Cooperating. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

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Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

Name of Organization

Please rank your top three program choices. Program descriptions are outlined above.

Program Date Requested

Is this date flexible? If yes, please give alternative dates.

What time does the program start?

Location of the presentation, including the address. Please include any special directions such as which door to enter, which side of building, parking, etc.

Estimated attendance:

What are the ages/grades levels of the youth?

Has this group used Master Gardener presenters in the past?

Yes

If yes, when and what topics?

Please provide a second contact person name, email address, and best phone number to reach them in case primary contact cannot be reached for any reason

How did you hear about Cook Chicago Master Gardener Youth Programs?

I understand that Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign any contracts, agreements, or waivers.

Yes I understand

I understand that all publicity or promotional materials should give credit to University of Illinois Extension.

Yes I understand

Any other questions, comments or concerns?

Civil Rights Compliance - Participant Info

As part of our commitment to providing equal opportunities in our programming, University of Illinois Extension is required to collect and report overall statistics about the race, ethnicity, and gender of program participants. Your responses are voluntary and appreciated.

Gender

Ethnicity

Race