By Andi Anderson

This September, the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program celebrated 50 years of impact at its 2025 annual conference in Springfield, drawing roughly 300 volunteers.

What began in 1975 in Chicagoland as a grassroots effort has grown into a vital community resource across Illinois. Looking forward, the program aims to extend its reach, bridge generational gaps, and provide even more opportunities for growth, connection, and learning.

"Fifty years ago, this program took root with a solution-forward mission to 'help others learn to grow,” said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist.

“Since then, our volunteers have grown more than gardens. They have grown through connections, established partnerships, and positively impacted their communities. This conference was a celebration of everything they have nurtured over the years."

The first day featured tours of the Graham and Ednita Murdock Garden, Lincoln Home National Historic Site and heirloom garden, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House, and Greg Pierceall’s garden. These tours highlighted the intersection of history and horticulture, showing how gardens preserve stories, inspire design, and connect people.

Extension horticulture educators led hands-on workshops covering native landscape design, tree care, soil health, bonsai cultivation, insect identification, and youth gardening education.

"My fellow horticulture educators coming together to lead six in-depth workshops was a highlight for me,” said Jennifer Fishburn, horticulture educator and local host. “Each session was designed to put gardening knowledge into real-world practice."

On the second day, the conference recognized impactful Master Gardener projects. Keynote speaker Mark Dwyer emphasized the therapeutic power of gardens by engaging all five senses. Sessions also included tick safety, container gardening, and fungus identification.

Retired entomologist Phil Nixon recalled early training challenges: "Initially, training was all conducted on slide projectors and slide trays... it took at least two trips from the car just to get the slide trays in."

In 2024 alone, 2,212 volunteers contributed 123,972 hours of outreach, reflecting the program’s continued growth and dedication to helping others learn to grow.

Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman