Illinois Extension, Year In Review 2021

Eight local Extension Master Gardeners honored at state level

Each year Extension’s Master Gardener program recognizes a group of outstanding volunteers, across the state, who combine their love of gardening with helping others to make a positive impact in their communities and the state. Sustained Excellence Award Louise Bassett, Peoria, EMG since 2012 One of the major projects she currently leads is the butterfly habitat at Wildlife Prairie Park. Other project sites include Illinois Central College demonstration garden, Jubilee College butterfly garden, and the annual plant sale. Jennifer Bass, Peoria, EMG since 2014 Jennifer received the Peoria County EMG of the Year Award in 2017. She has provided valuable time and expertise to projects at Illinois Central College gardens, Wildlife Prairie Park 4-H garden, City of Pekin community gardens, and the annual plant sale. Chuck Crider, Dunlap, EMG since 2012 Chuck Crider spent a lifetime as an educator and influential gardener in the Peoria community before joining the EMG program. He shares his gardening expertise to showcase projects like Luthy Botanical Gardens and the demonstration gardens at ICC. Larry Stratton, Peoria, EMG since 2004 Larry has been serving the community through his EMG volunteer role for 17 years. He contributes hundreds of hours each year to answering questions from the public through the Gardening Helpline, as well as at outreach events such as the Peoria Home Show, Riverfront Farmers Market, and plant sale. Outstanding Award Bill Baker, Green Valley, EMG since 2016 Bill and his wife Kathy volunteer together on projects such as Plant Bingo and the Green Valley Community Garden. Bill has served in leadership roles with the Tazewell County EMG group and provides beekeeping expertise to both the EMGs and the public. Bill Johnson, Dunlap, EMG since 2015 Bill is certified in chainsaw safety, rain gardens, and pesticide application for turf and landscape. In addition to leadership roles, he has volunteered at Dream Center Peoria community garden; Wildlife Prairie butterfly habitat, 4-H garden, and pollinator garden; and the community garden at Advanced Medical Transport headquarters. Michelene Koch, Tremont, EMG since 2011 Michelene’s most recent EMG project includes leading the crew of volunteers at the Morton Giving Garden. She has also volunteered at Tazewell County Health Department WIC garden, ICC demonstration gardens, the community gardens in Tremont, and as a horticulture judge for the 4-H Show. Peggy Shane, Princeville, EMG since 2013 Peggy has faithfully been involved in projects such as the St. Jude Parish Church and School Gardens. She has assisted at the unit EMG training sessions, the annual plant sale, and the Riverfront Farmers Market. She also successfully mentors EMG interns.