Master Gardener Conference celebrates 50 years of growth, connection

Some moments of legacy are written down, others branch off the page beneath the canopy of a shady tree, in the scent of fresh herbs rubbed between fingertips, through butterfly-sculpted glass shifting colors as sunlight pours in, or the soft whooshing of a water feature echoing through a historic home.

In September, the impact of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener’s 50-year legacy weaved through conversations and forged connections at the 2025 annual conference in Springfield where about 300 volunteers gathered to celebrate half a century of helping others learn to grow.

What began in 1975 in the Chicago area as a grass-roots initiative has flourished into a cornerstone resource for communities across Illinois.

The next 50 years and beyond include extending that reach and bridging intergenerational gaps to continue the legacy and to provide even more opportunities to grow, connect, and learn.

“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.”

Day one of the conference featured immersive time capsule tours of the Graham and Ednita Murdock Garden, the historic Lincoln Home National Historic Site and heirloom garden, the garden-inspired architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright at the Dana-Thomas House, along with the thoughtfully nestled garden of Greg Pierceall.

Each tour balanced the cross-pollination of history and horticulture. The tours were an opportunity to reflect on how gardens hold more than plants, they preserve stories, inspire design concepts, and connect people through shared green spaces.

Extension horticulture educators offered hands-on learning experiences on topics like native landscape design, tree care, soil health, bonsai cultivation, insect identification, and education on engaging youth gardening. Each session outlined practical tips and tools for volunteers to implement in their gardens.

“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 for the conference. “Each session was designed to put gardening knowledge into real-world practice.”

The second day of the conference recognized Master Gardener projects and their impact. Keynote speaker Mark Dwyer, healing garden manager at Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, kicked the day off by exploring the importance of engaging all five senses for the therapeutic power of gardens. Session topics included tick safety, vegetable container gardening, and decoding fungus.

A panel of former extension staff recounted the early days of the Master Gardener program and how it has grown over the years. Panelists reflected on launching pivotal milestones and county programs, building community interest, and providing expert knowledge to volunteers to connect with the public. One of the most memorable milestones was the program's recent transition to online training.

“Initially, training was all conducted on slide projectors and slide trays,” said Phil Nixon, retired Illinois Extension entomologist. In the early training days, Nixon reflects, “it took at least two trips from the car just to get the slide trays in.”

With strong roots in local communities and growing through connections, Illinois Extension's Master Gardener program remains a thriving program of Illinois Extension. In 2024 alone, 2,212 active volunteers contributed 123,972 outreach hours to help others learn to grow.

This conference was curated by Extension staff, with the help of 32 Master Gardeners from Sangamon, Logan, and Menard counties.