New Extension educator set to serve the diverse needs of tri-county area
From protecting native plants and pollinators to helping urban, suburban, and rural residents grow food in their communities, the new University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator aims to meet the diverse needs of DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.
Jamie Viebach, who joined Illinois Extension last summer as program coordinator for the DuPage County Master Gardeners, now moves into the educator position with passion and experience.
"For nearly 20 years, she organized conservation efforts and taught Illinois residents of all ages about plants and the environment," said Deanna Roby-Vorgias, Illinois Extension County Director. "We are excited to expand how she shares her knowledge of home landscaping, native plants, and gardening to help the people and partners in our communities."
Viebach discovered her love of gardening and outdoors as a child, following her grandfather around as he grew prize-winning tomatoes and peppers.
Today, she enjoys helping people and plants thrive by sharing research-backed horticultural advice to improve the community and protect the environment.
"Whether it's growing our own vegetables or tending to flower beds, I feel like we instinctively know that spending time outside makes us feel better, both physically and mentally," Viebach said.
"We at Extension are uniquely positioned to help people gain a better understanding and appreciation of their outdoor environment," Viebach said. "Whether you live in an apartment, on a quarter acre, or 60 acres, we're here to help with research-backed information to grow better flowers, fruit, vegetables, and more."
Viebach brings extensive knowledge from her work with The Conservation Foundation, Land Conservancy of Will County, and the Forest Preserve District of Will County. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and a master's in environmental biology from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.
Viebach can be reached at jviebach@illinois.edu or (630) 955-1123.
The Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.
Learn more about your local Extension programs, visit go.illinois.edu/ExtensionDK.