2025 South Suburban Cook County Master Gardeners - Request a youth Program

University of Illinois Extension provides presenters that will engage students in hands-on learning experiences. If you would like to request a program for your Cook County South or Southwest organization, 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 HIGH VOLUME OF REQUESTS FOR OUR YOUTH PROGRAMMING requests should be made at least 10 weeks in advance in order to coordinate our staff and volunteers' schedules. TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE ALL GROUPS, WE MAY LIMIT EACH GROUP TO TWO TALKS PER CALENDAR YEAR. THANK YOU. *** PLEASE NOTE we are booked out through the end of June 2025. ***Please note we do not deliver programs at private homes.

For in-person programs, if your organization is able, we request a cost recovery fee of $50 for each program in order to cover educational materials for hands-on activities, handouts and travel expenses. We are willing to work with you based on your available funding. If your organization includes the word "donation" on the memo line of the check, we are able to receive partial matching funds. We greatly appreciate your support and will provide a W-9 and tax exempt letter if requested. Payments may be mailed to the attention of Margaret Burns-Westmeyer at U of I Extension, 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr., Suite 601, Matteson, IL. 60443. Thank you.

***Please note that Extension staff and volunteers are not permitted to sign contracts, agreements, or waivers, and do not deliver programs at private residences. Programs CANNOT be recorded.

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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 provide a second contact person and best phone number to reach them in case primary contact cannot be reached, should an unforeseen development occur regarding the presentation.

Program Date Requested

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

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

What time will the presentation begin?

How long would you like the program to last?

What are the ages/grades levels of the youth?

Estimated attendance:

Please rank your program choices. Descriptions of available programs are below.

1. Insect Petting Zoo - Experience the wonders of the insect world. Learn how insects and insect-relatives function and play an important role in the environment around you. This is a touch and feel experience in which visitors can observe and have the opportunity to hold unusual bugs. Insect petting zoo includes: blue death feigning beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, American millipedes, bess beetles and a tarantula (spider for viewing, not holding).

2. Monarch Butterflies - Learn about this magnificent species of butterfly that migrates from Mexico to Canada. Fun facts about metamorphosis, habitat and the migration process will be discussed. Individuals are invited to make a monarch butterfly caterpillar craft representing the unique color patterns of this interesting larva.

3. Planting Herbs in a Bag - Join us to learn about plant basics: seed germination, soil health, 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 chive or basil seed indoors. Herbs can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Or keep the herbs growing on a sunny windowsill until they are ready to harvest.

4. Planting Lettuce in a Bag - Join us to learn about plant basics: seed germination, soil health, 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 lettuce seed indoors. Lettuce can also be transplanted outdoors in the spring or fall. A small lettuce crop can be harvested within about 6 weeks.

5. Worm Composting - 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.

Has this group used Master Gardener presenters in the past?

Yes

If yes, when?

How did you hear about Cook South Suburban Master Gardener Youth Programs?

I understand that Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign any contracts.

Yes, I understand Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign contracts

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

Donations defray the cost associated with providing you with the program. We wish to serve all audiences and understand if you cannot make a donation. If you can make a donation, make checks payable to University of Illinois Extension. Please add in the notation: Donation.

Questions, comments or other 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