Each year, the Master Gardener Awards recognize exceptional projects and volunteers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
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Impactful projects making a positive difference in local communities did not go unnoticed at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference, held Sept. 4-5 in Springfield.
This year’s annual conference marked 50 Years of the Master Gardener program’s mission of helping others learn to grow. The celebration featured hands-on workshops, a timeless garden and historical home tours, and a keynote session on designing gardens that appeal to all five senses in the garden. A panel discussion with former yet foundational extension staff highlighted the program’s roots in communities and its continued growth through connection across Illinois.
“It’s been five decades since this program’s purposeful start and mission to help others learn to grow,” said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist. Over the years, this program has grown more than just plants; it has built strong relationships that continue to connect communities across Illinois.”
Each year, the Master Gardener Awards recognize exceptional projects and volunteers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Nominations are submitted in three categories: Outstanding, Teamwork, and Sustained Excellence, and are reviewed by the state Master Gardener advisory committee, which evaluates and scores each submission based on established criteria.
This year’s award recipients from Jackson, Perry and Williamson counties were recognized for their outstanding contributions to projects such as reviving heritage by cultivating native plants, to leading with extraordinary example, and growing fresh food for those in need. These projects and volunteer efforts reflect the shared commitment to improving our neighbors’ lives through gardening.
Recipients of the 2025 Sustained Excellence Award:
Karen Glynn, Perry County
Karen received this award because she has showcased exceptional leadership abilities and dedication to the Master Gardener community in her county, unit, and state. This award is a marker of continued commitment of supporting the Master Gardener volunteer program and is s very rare achievement since it is given to fewer than 2% of Master Gardeners annually.
Recipients of the 2025 Teamwork Award:
Williamson County Team: Tracy Hosman-Kaytor, Sasha Milburn, and Joe Powers.
This team was honored with this award in recognition of their outstanding teamwork and commitment to community service. Their impactful work with the Cultivating Care Garden and Food Pantry Project demonstrates compassion and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In the 2024 garden season, this Master Gardener team helped community members grow 22 different herbs, fruits, and vegetables on site and donated 864 pounds of produce that they harvested to the Salvation Army Food Pantry feeding our friends and families in need.
Jackson County Team: Kevin Ahlfield, Norma Allen, Carla Coppi, Kathy Homa, Tracy Hosman-Kaytor, Dorothy McDaniels, and Elizabeth Todd.
This Master Gardener team was honored with the Teamwork Award for their collaboration efforts to reviving history. Through their influential work on the Flax Project at Harrison Bruce Historical Village and partnership with Black Sheep Fiber Guild, they brought traditional growing practices to life, showcasing them to the community. Carla Coppi, a Master Naturalist, helped lead the charge.
University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of positive impact across Illinois in 2025. Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, enhance neighborhood beauty, and support the environment. Help Master Gardeners grow.
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