Master gardener volunteer opportunities

Master gardener help desk: The Master gardener Help desk, located at the Extension office, is open weekdays, February to November, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Master gardeners research answers to home gardeners’ horticulture questions.

Master gardener library committee: An essential tool used at the Master gardener help desk is the Master gardener library. Master gardeners organize and file new horticulture information including pamphlets and books.

Master gardener demonstration gardens: The Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit Master gardener demonstration garden is located in front of the University of Illinois Extension building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The garden is divided into four garden committees: The Lorraine DeSouza Perennial Garden and Prairie area; State Fair Identification Garden; Herb Garden & Grape Arbor; and Compost Demonstration. Master gardeners design, plant and maintain the gardens. Committee members also provide public education of the gardens by labeling plants, creating handouts and public presentations.

Vegetable demonstration garden committee: Master Gardener volunteers will have a 12-foot-by-12-foot demonstration vegetable garden plot in the Illinois Department of Agriculture community garden. Volunteers assist with designing, caring for and providing programs in the garden.

Plant a Row for the Hungry committee: Plant a Row for the Hungry is a national campaign by HGTV and Garden Writers Association of America. PAR is a people-helping-people program to assist in feeding the homeless and hungry in their own community. PAR encourages gardeners to share their harvest by donating extra produce. In Sangamon and Menard counties, volunteers promote the PAR program and host produce collection sites throughout the summer.

Garden Therapy committee: Master gardeners lead gardening activities at local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Committee members meet twice a year to plan activities and sign up for dates to volunteer at the facilities. Volunteers work in groups and lead weekly activities. Volunteers secure needed supplies for the activities.

Heirloom Garden, Lincoln Home Historic Site: Lincoln Home Living History Heirloom Garden is a project organized by University of Illinois Extension Master gardeners from Sangamon-Menard Unit and Christian counties and the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Committee members plan, plant and care for the garden. Volunteers also greet visitors to the heirloom garden.

Gardeners Day committee: Master gardeners plan “Gardeners Day” held on the third Saturday in February. Committee members secure speakers, promote the event and volunteer the day of the event. Master gardeners serve as room hosts and manage registration.

Master Gardener Booth at Illinois Products Farmers’ Market: Illinois Department of Agriculture sponsors a Thursday evening Farmers Market on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The Farmers Market is scheduled for May to October. Hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Master Gardener volunteers have an educational booth at the Farmers Market. Volunteers will host an “Ask the Master Gardener” booth/ plant clinic, collect produce for Plant a Row for the Hungry and possibly provide demonstrations.