Master Gardeners of Edwards, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash and Wayne Counties

Master Gardeners of Edwards, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash and Wayne Counties The Master Gardener program is for those who like to learn and share their gardening knowledge.

07/28/2026

Make plans to join us at this upcoming program to explore the following:
• What are pollinators and the roles they play in the environment
• Illinois' native bee species and their importance as pollinators
• Gardening to attract pollinators
• The challenges and successes of the Wayne County pollinator garden

Learn more and register online at go.illinois.edu/AttractingPollinators or call the Wayne County Extension Office at 618-842-3702.

07/22/2026

Take a stroll through Idea Garden with plant trialing expert Ann Tice and get an insider's look at the annual flowers being tested for 2027! With over 40 new varieties on display, you'll discover standout performers, proven favorites, and plenty of inspiration for next year's garden.

📅 Wednesday, August 5
🕘 9:00 a.m.
📍 Idea Garden

Come see what made the cut—and which plants deserve a spot in your own garden! Register today at go.illinois.edu/CCMGtrials

07/21/2026

If you have a passion for natural resources and wildlife conservation, Master Naturalist training might be for you! Master Naturalists are Illinois Extension’s trained volunteers who advocate for natural resource and wildlife conservation through community partnerships, educational opportunities, and other engagement.

Join us at our upcoming Master Naturalist Training Info Session to learn more.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Wabash County Extension Office
738 N. Market Street, Mt. Carmel, IL

Visit extension.illinois.edu/mn to learn more about Master Naturalists.

Registration for the info session is available online at go.illinois.edu/MNinfoELRWW.

Participants may contact the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934 for additional questions or to register via phone.

07/16/2026

Join Illinois Extension on August 11 to examine Illinois' native bee species and learn how you can support native pollinators through pollinator gardens!

5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
Wayne County Extension Office
2B Frontier Dr., Fairfield, IL

Register online at go.illinois.edu/AttractingPollinators or call the Wayne County Extension Office at 618-842-3702.

07/16/2026

Interested in becoming a Master Naturalist? We're excited to announce we're offering a rare opportunity to complete the training locally!

Master Naturalists are Illinois Extension’s trained volunteers who advocate for natural resource and wildlife conservation through community partnerships, educational opportunities, and other engagement.

If you're interested in learning more, an informational session will be held to discuss Master Naturalist requirements, volunteer opportunities, and the upcoming training. Training will begin in September and includes online modules/assignments and local field trips focused on natural resources areas of interest.

Info Session:
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Wabash County Extension Office

For more information and to register for the info session, visit go.illinois.edu/MNinfoELRWW. Participants may also call the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-442-2934 for more information or to register via phone.

To learn more about Master Naturalists, visit extension.illinois.edu/MN

07/09/2026

Mark your calendars for this program coming up in August!

Extension Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling will kick off the program by examining Illinois’ native bee species and sharing how to incorporate native Illinois plants into home gardening. Following, Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Katie Bell will give a tour of the Wayne County pollinator garden and discuss the garden's successes and challenges.

5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
Wayne County Extension Office
2B Frontier Dr., Fairfield, IL

Register online at go.illinois.edu/AttractingPollinators or call the Wayne County Extension Office at 618-842-3702.

06/17/2026

Users of social media are exposed to a lot of homegrown advice on ridding our yards and gardens of weeds and insect pests. Often, those methods don’t hold up to close scrutiny. However, one DIY method of mosquito control that has proved successful is the creation of a mosquito larval trap. These traps attract mosquitos who lay eggs in them. The eggs don’t survive because of the larvicide (poison targeting only larvae—eggs). The larvicides, typically called mosquito dunks, contain Bacteria thuringiensis, or Bt. They can be found in home improvement centers or even large grocery stores. It is safe for all other wildlife and pets. Mosquito dunks can also be placed in standing water that can’t be drained, such as ditches or small ponds.

A homemade larval trap consists of a large bucket with a layer of hay, straw or dried leaves that is partially filled with water. This combination is undisturbed for a few days to allow the material to produce gases that attract mosquitoes. Then the mosquito dunk is added. That’s it unless a lid is needed to keep small children or pets from falling in. A lid can be used to cover the bucket, but should have holes drilled in it to allow access for the mosquitoes, or chicken wire can be bent to fit over the top. The trap should be placed at a distance from where people will gather outside to attract the mosquitoes away.

The dunks last about a month and then should be replaced. The water and material can be replaced as well. Reducing the number of larvae will reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area.

Illustrated instructions are available at: https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu/environment-natural-resources/managingmosquitos/ and at https://homegrownnationalpark.org/build-mosquito-bucket/. More information about controlling mosquitoes is at: https://schoolipm.tamu.edu/forms/pest-management-plans/ipm-mosquito-management/.

04/28/2026

We're looking forward to Saturday's Raised Bed Gardening workshop in West Salem!

Haven't registered yet? There's still time!

Register online at go.illinois.edu/Garden or by calling the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934.

04/22/2026

Greenhouses and gardening centers are buzzing with excitement this time of year as gardeners start to plan their summer gardens!

Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Katie Bell and Master Gardener Jessica Bare are excited to bring you this workshop to help you get started with raised bed gardening.

Join us at the West Salem Community Garden on May 2! Learn more and register online at go.illinois.edu/Garden or by calling the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934.

04/22/2026

First stop in the Summer Twilight Series is Flower Girls Greenhouse in Richview!

Whether you’re a flower gardener, bride-to-be, or interested in learning more about growing cut flowers, you’ll want to join this upcoming tour!

Learn more and register online at go.illinois.edu/2026twilightseries

Address

7 N 5th Street
Albion, IL
62806

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16184452934

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