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Ride Right Rally Teaches Life-Saving Safety Skills to Over 340 Local Youth
Mendon, IL — Off-road vehicle accidents send more than 100,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S., with an average of 500-700 lives lost annually. Many of these accidents involve youth—and many are preventable. That’s why Illinois Extension and a coalition of local partners...

Illinois Extension and Carthage Park District announces first Junior Master Naturalist class in Hancock County
Hancock County, IL –A new Junior Master Naturalist summer class is now open for registration, offering youth ages 9-12 the opportunity to explore the hidden natural gems of Hancock County while learning from local experts. This program is limited to 15 participants, and transportation is...

Celebrate spring with the return of the Rain Garden Rumble native plant playoff 
URBANA, Ill. — What’s a little friendly competition between plants? The annual Rain Garden Rumble returns this spring, giving nature and gardening enthusiasts a chance to root for their favorite native plants...

West-Central Illinois Master Naturalists Expand Volunteer Efforts in 2024
Quincy, Ill. – Illinois Master Naturalist volunteers are making a significant impact in their communities, connecting people with nature through conservation, education, and hands-on restoration projects.In 2024, West-Central Illinois Master Naturalists contributed over 1,600 hours of...

Genomic tools provide clearer view of health for endangered bats
URBANA, Ill. — How do wildlife researchers know when an endangered population is sick? They can detect infectious microbes in animal waste, but the presence of a microbe doesn’t always equate to impactful symptomatic infections. In a...