If you're interested in becoming a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension, there is a rare fall training opportunity.

According to Terri Miller-Casey, Extension Director for the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, the training is both in-person in Logan County and there are several ways to participate. 

To be a part of the hybrid course, the deadline for registration is this coming Monday, Aug. 22. Miller-Casey indicates the online-only course begins Sept. 12 and you can get that completed all way into October.

Master Gardeners not only learn the core lessons of horticulture, but they are very versatile to go out to the community and connect in a variety of ways and be as out and active or behind the scenes as they want.

If you are interested in being a Master Gardener, Miller-Casey explains there are some basic requirements they have. For instance, there is a minimum hours requirement for volunteering but she points out their volunteers generally go way over that threshold because of how much they enjoy it.

Miller-Casey says Master Gardeners have had a demonstration garden that is an ongoing project at the Illinois State Fair. If you missed that opportunity at this year's state fair, she points out it is available for viewing at any time as it is maintained throughout the growing season.

Get more information about the upcoming Master Gardeners fall training opportunity, visit extension.illinois.edu. The deadline, again, for the hybrid offering is this coming Monday, Aug. 22.