Adult Education Classes
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program
The Master Gardener Program is a community-based, all-volunteer organization sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension at Urbana-Champaign. The mission of this program is "helping others learn to grow." Master Gardeners are adults of all ages willing to share their interest in and knowledge of horticulture. We welcome your participation and look forward to receiving your application.
Registration for the training program must be completed by December 7, 2012.
To become a certified Master Gardener at the Chicago Botanic Garden, you must do the following:
- Download and complete the Master Gardener Training Application
- Download and complete screening forms
- Attend a volunteer assignment interview
- Complete ten weeks of Master Gardener training
- Complete all quizzes (open book)
- Complete a final exam (open book)
- Attend a Chicago Botanic Garden volunteer orientation
- Complete 60 hours of Chicago Botanic Garden volunteer service by March 31, 2014
Trainees must receive an 80 percent or higher cumulative average on quizzes and the final exam to continue on to the internship portion of the program.
Annual recertification requirements:
- 30 hours of horticulturally related volunteer service at the Chicago Botanic Garden
- 10 hours of approved education updates
January 16 – March 20, 2013
(Snow Date: March 27, 2013)
10 Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Alsdorf Auditorium
Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden
Training Fees
The training fee to become a Master Gardener volunteer is $250, payable to the Chicago Botanic Garden. This training fee includes a copy of the Master Gardener manual. Registered participants will receive their manuals at the first session.
Application Process Deadlines
Friday, December 7, 2012—Application and two background check forms must be completed and postmarked. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. A letter will follow notifying you of the receipt of your application and requesting your presence at a required Master Gardener volunteer assignment interview. The date is to be determined.
Friday, December 21, 2012—Notification of admission into the program will be made by this date and a tuition payment of $250 will be requested.
Questions on applying to the course may be directed to Master Gardener program coordinator Jill Selinger at (847) 835-6849 or via email at jselinger@chicagobotanic.org.
Mail completed application(s) and screening documents to:
Jill Selinger
Manager, Continuing Education
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022