Jenny Lee transitions to Horticulture Educator role with Illinois Extension

For Release: September 1, 2026

MATTOON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Jenny Lee as the Horticulture Educator serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.

In her new role, Lee develops and delivers educational programs that help individuals and communities create healthy, sustainable landscapes and gardens. Her programming focuses on home gardening, tree selection and care, native plants, pollinator conservation, sustainable landscaping, and environmental stewardship. She works with homeowners, community organizations, and local partners to increase horticultural knowledge and promote practices that enhance both the environment and quality of life.

As part of her role, Lee develops educational resources, secures grant funding, and collaborates with partners to expand the reach and impact of Extension horticulture programming.

Lee has been a member of the Illinois Extension team for several years, previously serving as the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Program Coordinator. In that role, she coordinated volunteer training, continuing education, and community engagement opportunities while supporting volunteers throughout the region.

Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a specialization in zoology from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her graduate research focused on developing curriculum for tree care and maintenance.

Before joining University of Illinois Extension, Lee served as a Conservation Police Officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where she built positive relationships with outdoor recreation communities and taught conservation and safety courses to youth and adults.

Passionate about connecting people with horticultural information, Lee is dedicated to helping residents develop the knowledge and confidence to care for their gardens, landscapes, and local environments while inspiring environmental stewardship throughout the communities she serves.