Burr Ridge Gardener Reaches Milestone

BURR RIDGE, IL — Laurie Policastro of Burr Ridge was recognized for 15 years as a master gardener with the University of Illinois Extension of DuPage County. She is part of a volunteer group that has completed nearly 10,000 hours of service for 2019.

In addition, the group of 130 volunteers directly reached thousands during 13 community projects, 20 speaking engagements and 26 mobile help desks, according to a University of Illinois news release. They also helped grow and harvest 2,210 pounds of produce to area food pantries.

“It has been amazing to see our enthusiastic, generous volunteers serve DuPage County communities with a variety of projects and services,” said Karen Davis, master gardener program coordinator, who joined University of Illinois Extension in April. “These trained master gardeners share their own time and talents through the Master Gardener Help Desk, service projects, community gardens, youth programs, therapeutic horticulture, heritage work and more.”