Master Gardener Interest Form Ford, Iroquois

• Fall 2025 Online Illinois Gardener Training will run from September 15 to December 31, 2025.  Registration closes 08/18/2025. 
• The fee for online training is $300.  If you choose to take the fully online course, please fill out both this interest form and the separate Fall 2025 Online Illinois Gardener Training form.

• The next in-person class will run from February to April 2026.  Registration closes December 31, 2025.
• The fee for the in-person class is $200.  If you want to take the in-person class, submit only this interest form.

1. Your form will be reviewed, and in January 2026 you will be sent an invitation for an interview..  This form does not guarantee acceptance into the training program.  There are a limited number of spots for the upcoming in-person class.  Your payment and completed paperwork reserve your place in the classroom.
2. If accepted into the volunteer program, you will be asked to complete several forms as required by the State Master Gardener program.  Most paperwork must be completed online.
3. Financial assistance may be available in limited amounts for in-person training, and a separate form is required.  The deadline to request financial assistance is Dec. 15, 2025.  Contact lacross2@illinois.edu to request the form.
4. Payment:
   • Online Course: Payment for the course is by credit card (preferred) or check, which includes the manual in one of these formats - hard copy, USB, or both ($320 for both).  The manual (in the form requested by the trainee) will be shipped to the participant’s home address starting January 2026.  Payment should be made at the time of registration.
   • In-Person Course: Payment can be made by visiting the Champaign County Extension office (cash, check, or card accepted) or sending us your payment in the mail (check only).  Hard copies of the manual will be distributed at the first class.  Payment is due before the first class.
5. Completing all of the classes (60 hours of instruction at 4-6 hours per week on average) and 40 hours of volunteering as an intern within 2 years of finishing the course are mandatory to become a certified Active Master Gardener.  
6. Each course will end with a quiz.  You must score 80% or better to move to the next chapter.  Retakes are an option.  A final exam at the end of all chapters must also result in a score of 80% or higher in order to finish the course.  Again, you may retake the exam if needed.    
7. To maintain certification in subsequent years, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities annually, in addition to keeping the annual volunteer agreement and 5-year re-screen paperwork up to date with Extension.