Central Illinois crop production began mid-1800s as settlers started draining the swampy prairie land. They were not able to grow crops due to excess water in the soils. As drainage tile installation methods improved, more and more land was drained. Over time, however, original drainage systems can...
Over the past two years, University of Illinois Extension 4-H and SNAP-Ed educators have partnered with University of Illinois College of Medicine faculty and Dr. Tiffany Abrego, Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern...
Ainsley Olsen is the newest member of the University of Illinois Extension horticulture team serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. With the growing Master Gardener program, demand for horticulture education, and the addition of the Conservation@Home program it became critical to...
On one hand the concepts are simple, but on the other hand there are details and techniques that help gardeners increase their success at seed starting. In early 2025, University of Illinois Extension hosted a series of hands-on seed starting workshops across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell...
Over the past 13 years, the local University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program has steadily grown in the number of volunteers and the educational programs offered. It became important to add to the team to continue with the quality support Extension staff provides volunteers and...
Illinois SNAP-Education, delivered through the Eat.Move.Save.program, continues to improve the health of families across the state—and right here in Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties. With a focus on...
In 2013, a passionate group of volunteers laid the foundation for one of Mason County’s most respected 4-H special interest clubs: the Mason County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. What began with a handful of 4-H volunteers, a few youth members, some borrowed equipment, and a vision for safe and...
“Is it safer to play single-player games online than multi-player games?” “What is the purpose of parental controls on devices? Are they keeping us safer?”“So, is social media only bad for us?”These were some of the questions Abi Amstutz-Spencer, ...
No matter the size of the community, there are always projects that need addressed. And many times, those projects are also in need of funding sources. A recent meeting facilitated by University of Illinois Extension helped community leaders connect with three state funding sources.“As I work with...
