Master Gardeners of Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby County

09/15/2026

Pumpkin season is here! As you’re getting ready for fall in the garden, check out the latest Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News for tips, updates and information on what’s happening across the state.

09/09/2026

Earlier this year, I received a question from a community member who stopped into the office, concerned about things growing on their tree that had spread to their

08/29/2026

What is our community saying about the Idea Garden?

Located at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, the Idea Garden is a place to find inspiration, try new gardening ideas, and explore a variety of garden spaces. From the Butterfly and Herb gardens to the Vegetable and Children’s gardens, there’s something to discover around every corner.

Check out what visitors are saying, then stop by and explore the garden yourself!

08/20/2026

Fall gardening webinars are coming up! Join Illinois Extension for two free Four Seasons Gardening webinars covering overwintering plants and community advocacy for urban forests. Registration is required.

08/18/2026

Stay up to date on what’s happening with Illinois fruit and vegetable crops! The August issue of Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News has updates on crop conditions, pest management, research, upcoming events and more.

08/11/2026

Love gardening? Passionate about nature? Enjoy working with people? Put those passions to work with Illinois Extension!

We’re hiring a Master Gardener & Master Naturalist Program Coordinator to support Coles County’s outstanding network of volunteers and educational programs. This position offers an opportunity to connect people with research-based horticulture and natural resources education and to help volunteers make a difference in their communities.

Apply by August 21, 2026, or learn more at go.illinois.edu/mgmn.

08/03/2026

Today, we remember and honor a cherished member of our Master Gardener family.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our dedicated Master Gardeners, Glenda Fitzgerald. Her kindness, generosity, and support of our program touched the lives of so many. She was especially passionate about Spring into Gardening and our youth gardening programs, always eager to share her knowledge, encourage new gardeners, and inspire the next generation to discover the joy of growing plants.

Her enthusiasm, warm smile, and willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impact on our volunteers, participants, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and a love of gardening that will continue to grow through the people she inspired.

She will be truly missed, but her contributions to our Master Gardener program and our community will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Today, we remember and honor a cherished member of our Master Gardener family.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our dedicated Master Gardeners. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support of our program touched the lives of so many. She was especially passionate about **Spring into Gardening** and our **youth gardening programs**, always eager to share her knowledge, encourage new gardeners, and inspire the next generation to discover the joy of growing plants.

Her enthusiasm, warm smile, and willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impact on our volunteers, participants, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and a love of gardening that will continue to grow through the people she inspired.

She will be truly missed, but her contributions to our Master Gardener program and our community will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 💚🌼

If you'd like, I can also make it more personal by including her name and a favorite memory or contribution.

GLENDA S. FITZGERALD

Glenda Sue Fitzgerald, age 73, of Mattoon passed away on July 22, 2026 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Heath Center.
A celebration of Life honoring her life will take place at a later date. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Glenda was born on September 1, 1953 in Charleston, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Madonna (Myers) McLaine. She married Daniel Fitzgerald on May 28, 1972.
Survivors include her loving husband of 54 years, Daniel Fitzgerald; children, Shawn Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzgerald, Bethany Vestal and Darren Fitzgerald; several grandchildren; and special friends Joyce, Rachel, Kathy, Jean, Julie, and Pastor Matthew. Glenda was preceded in death by her parents.
Glenda earned her Master's Degree from Eastern Illinois University and spent many years as a dedicated teacher with the Mattoon Community Unit School District #2. She was a Master Gardener who enjoyed working with flowers and sharing her love of gardening with others. Glenda was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mattoon, where she served as a deacon. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, loyal friend, and a person who always had a positive attitude and loved to laugh. Her kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home’s page.

07/27/2026

Do you enjoy nature and want to learn more about the world around you while giving back to your community? Join the Illinois Master Naturalist Training Program and become an Illinois Master Naturalist!

Training begins August 11. To learn more or sign-up, visit https://go.illinois.edu/MasterNaturalistTraining2026.