2025 Master Gardener Training - Boone County

Thank you for your interest in the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program.  The Master Gardener program is designed for adults of all ages that desire the opportunity to learn about horticulture and positively impact our local community.
 
 The 2025 Master Gardener training will be limited to 20 people.  Preregistration is required.  The training will include eight select Thursday evenings with in-person lessons and possibly a couple of field trips, TBA.  Trainees will be responsible for studying out of class, which includes readings, viewing videos, and completing quizzes.
 
 The fee for the Master Gardener training is $200. This includes the printed manual for the training and educational supplies.

Master Gardener trainees complete training and then agree to complete 40 hours volunteer service within two years to become a Certified Master Gardener.  To maintain certification, each year, Master Gardeners must complete 20-hours volunteer service and take 10-hours continuing education.

The 2025 Master Gardener Training  will be held on select Thursdays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. beginning March 13, 2025 and ending June 12, 2025 at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Ct. Suite 5, Belvidere.
 
 Training will be held the following dates:
 March 13
 March 27
 April 10
 April 24
 May 8
 May 22
 June 5
 June 12
 
To volunteer as a Master Gardener, there is an additional volunteer agreement form/application that will need to be filled out, along with a code of conduct form, interview with your local program coordinator, as well as background and reference checks.  The link to this digital application will be emailed to you after you complete this registration.

Deadline to register is February 20.   If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Judy Hodge at 815-544-3710 or hodg@illinois.edu.  Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow time to meet your needs.