Illinois Extension
Registration

2025 DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Master Gardener Training

The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” 
To become a Master Gardener all you need is an interest in gardening, time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others.
Master Gardener training, taught by University of Illinois Extension educators and specialists, emphasizes practical, research-based information. Training topics include: botany, annuals and perennials, soils, insects, woody ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, turf, integrated pest management, and wildlife. After the training program, Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise by sharing their horticulture skills with the community through garden projects, educational outreach, and helping others learn to grow.
Upon successful completion of training, volunteers log 40 hours as interns to become a certified Master Gardener Volunteers. To remain certified, active Master Gardener Volunteers complete 10 hours of continuing education and volunteer 20 hours in approved projects yearly. Volunteer opportunities vary by county. 

There are 7 training options in 2025.
Self-Paced Online Training | $300
Winter/Spring 2025 | February 3-April 30 | Register by January 13
Summer 2025 | June 9-August 30 | Register by May 19
Fall 2025 | September 15-December 31 | Register by August 18
To register, please visit: go.illinois.edu/IllinoisGardenerTraining

Hybrid Training | $175
Winter/Spring 2025 | Tuesdays | 9 AM-Noon | February 4-April 15
Register by January 27
In-person portion at Piatt County Extension (Monticello) or Decatur Public Library (Decatur) 

Fall 2025 | Tuesdays | 9 AM-Noon | September 9-November 25
Register by September 1
In-person portion at DeWitt County Extension Office (Clinton) or Macon County Extension (Decatur)  *Will not meet Nov 18

Participants may be eligible to receive a $175 fee waiver, please contact us for details. 
A strong internet connection is recommended for the self-paced online and hybrid courses. 
Once you submit this Master Gardener class registration:
  1. The Master Gardener Program Coordinator will contact you for an informal interview.
  2. Classes and 40 hours of volunteer time are mandatory to become a certified active Master Gardener. Volunteer time can be completed within 2 years of taking the course.
  3. To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually.
If you are in DeWitt or Piatt County, please contact Beth Miglin at 217-762-2191 or bmiglin@illinois.edu with any questions.
If you are in Macon County, please contact Whitney Allison at 217-877-6042 or wallison@illiois.edu with any questions. 
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Contact Information

If you sign up for a Self-Paced Online Course, someone will be in touch and instruct you on how to make your payment through the state website.
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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.

Refund Policy
No refunds will be issued unless the class is canceled. 
Total Registration Cost $