OTTAWA — The University of Illinois Extension covering Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties is offering the 2013 Master Gardener Training Program at the LaSalle County Extension Office in Ottawa. The class will begin in January with the registration deadline being Dec. 15.

To register for the class, contact Paul Barrett, Master Gardener program coordinator, at the University of Illinois Extension Office located in Ottawa by calling 815-433-0707. You can request or pick up the training program application packet, which includes the application for the class and required background check information. The packets are available at the Extension offices located in Ottawa, Princeton and Henry. The completed application should be turned in to Paul Barrett at the Ottawa Extension office. After the application is reviewed, applicants will be contacted for a short interview before being accepted into the program. The cost of the class is $250, which covers Master Gardener reference books, handouts and refreshments. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please indicate when registering.

The classes will be held on Wednesdays at the LaSalle County Extension Office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are scheduled as follows: Jan. 23 - Turfgrass, Jan. 30 - Soils, Feb. 6 - Woody Ornamentals, Feb. 13 - Landscape Principles/Ornamental Grasses, Feb. 20 - Botany, Feb. 27 - Vegetables, March 6 - IPM (integrated pest management), March 13 - Plant Pathology, March 20 - Annuals and Perennials, March 25 - (Monday) - Insects via the University of Illinois “Elluminate” system, April 3 - Fruits, and April 10 - Graduation.