LMW Master Gardener Hybrid Training 2026

Are you ready to take the next step in your gardening journey? The Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Master Gardeners are currently accepting applications for their Fall 2026 Training. Joining your local Master Gardener program is a great way to expand your gardening knowledge while making a positive difference in your community.

Hybrid Course Information:

In-person meetings on Tuesdays: September 8th- December 1st from 9 a.m.-Noon
McLean County Extension Office (1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL, 61704)
$225 Course Fee for all training materials
Online coursework will occur between scheduled meetings

This fall, we will be offering a hybrid training to accommodate various schedules. Online materials will be provided along with in-person gatherings to work through the course materials for the Illinois Gardener training. Every Tuesday, from September 8th to December 1st, we will meet at the McLean County Extension office (1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL) from 9 a.m. to Noon. During our weekly classes, we will learn from Illinois Extension Horticulture Educators and participate in hands-on activities. Master Gardener Trainees will complete online modules weekly on the scheduled topic before the in-person training on Tuesday. Online modules will include videos, readings, weekly quizzes, and a final exam.

Course information is science-based and specific to Illinois’ unique climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Topics include botany, soils, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs, grasses, landscaping, insects, and diseases.

After submitting the application below, Extension staff will reach out to schedule an interview and provide instructions for completing the required University of Illinois volunteer background screening process. Upon acceptance into the Master Gardener training, you will be required to pay the $225 course fee for training materials. Fee waivers are available upon request.

If you have any questions about the training, please reach out to Brittnay Haag, horticulture educator, at bhaag@illinois.edu or (309) 663-8306.

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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

Are you available for classroom training at the McLean County Extension office (Bloomington) during Tuesday mornings?

Yes

Yes, but I will miss some.

What county do you live in?

Livingston County

McLean County

Woodford County

Please select when you would be able to meet for your volunteer interview. Select all that apply.

In-person mornings (8am-Noon)

In-person afternoons (Noon-4pm)

In-person Evenings (5-8pm)

Please share what motivates you to become a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener.

Have you been a volunteer in another Extension program? If so, where and when?

Briefly list your present and previous work experience.

Briefly list any volunteer experience with other community organizations.

Do you need any special accommodations to fully participate in this training?

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