2026 North Suburban Cook County Master Gardeners - Request a Youth Program
University of Illinois Extension provides youth tabling programs through the North Suburban Cook County Master Gardener Program on a wide range of gardening and environmental topics. If you would like to request a youth tabling program for the North Suburbs, please complete the request form and specify your program preferences.
To best support your event, early requests are strongly recommended. Due to the high volume of inquiries and the need to coordinate both staff and volunteer schedules, requests should be submitted at least 10 weeks in advance. Please note that last-minute requests can only be considered based on program capacity and volunteer availability.
These programs are delivered by trained Master Gardener volunteers, and all events are subject to volunteer availability. We typically begin volunteer recruitment one month prior to your event date; therefore, early scheduling greatly increases the likelihood that we can meet your request.
To ensure equitable access across our service area, organizations may be limited to two programs per calendar year. April dates are extremely popular and often fill months in advance. Please consider selecting a non-April date when possible.
Please note:
- Extension staff and volunteers cannot sign contracts, agreements, or waivers.
- Programs cannot be held at private residences.
- Recording of programs is prohibited.
- All publicity or promotional materials must credit University of Illinois Extension.
For tabling programs, if your organization is able, we request a cost-recovery donation of $50–$150 per program to help cover materials for hands-on activities and educational handouts. We are happy to work with you based on available funding, and donations are not required for participation. A W-9 can be provided upon request.
Donation checks should be made payable to University of Illinois Extension, with “donation” written on the memo line. Payments may be mailed to:
University of Illinois Extension
Attn: Julianne Czubek
2800 S. River Road, Suite 240
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
Program Types and Descriptions:
(This registration is for North Suburban locations ONLY. )
Tabling programs are best suited for events where participants can walk up to the table for a short period of time to learn and ask questions. Tabling programs can be for both youth and adult audiences.
- Monarch Butterflies (youth) - Learn about our State Insect's life stages, habitats, journeys, and the challenges facing their populations.
- Planting Lettuce or Herbs in a Bag (youth) - 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.
- Pollinators and Seed Ball Activity (youth, not available in winter) - 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!
- Worm Composting (youth) - Worm composting is a fun way to make fertilizer from food scraps! It is excellent for small spaces and kids love it. It is easy to do, but takes a little more effort than basic composting.
If you have any questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Amanda Anderson, the Master Gardener Program Coordinator in North Suburban Cook County. Email: amandaea@illinois.edu and Phone: 217-300-9860. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs. University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. United States Department of Agriculture. Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.