The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference will be held from Thursday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Westin in Lombard.

The program, “Pathways to a Greener Illinois,” will focus on greening, or looking at ways to conserve resources and garden in an environmentally friendly manner.

Thursday will be devoted to tours of area sites such as the Smart Home, Green + Wired area at the Museum of Science and Industry, the gardens at Ball Horticulture, Midwest Groundcovers and Country Garden Cuisines.

More than 30 classes will be offered Friday and Saturday. Horticultural experts from around the Midwest as well as several top national speakers will be on hand to talk about all aspects of gardening. Topics will range from water conservation to shade gardening to tropical plants.

The keynote address will be given Saturday morning by horticulture expert Melinda Myers. Myers is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She has written 19 books including “Can't Miss Small Space Gardening” and “Birds and Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide.” She hosts “Great Lakes Gardener,” seen on PBS stations throughout the country, and “Melinda's Garden Moments,” which air on network TV stations. She writes a twice monthly gardener's questions newspaper column and hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for more than 20 years.

To view a complete list of speakers and tours, visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/mg.

For more information, contact Monica David at the University of Illinois Extension master gardener office at (217) 265-5256 or modavid@uiuc.edu.