Many small rural towns in Illinois are experiencing an economic downturn due to reasons beyond their control. One town, Havana, Illinois, is taking the bull by the horns to turn their community around economically. The local chamber of commerce and city...
Just because youth are growing up in the city doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in learning about or working with livestock. Peoria County 4-H volunteers have created several unique 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) clubs that invite youth out to the farm to experience first hand the challenges and...
The “typical” yard can easily be improved to help reduce water run-off, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the soil, which ultimately improves the environment. The Conservation@Home (C@H) program was created by...
Building strong relationships with partners in the community is crucial for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education) program. These relationships can lead to opportunities to provide additional nutrition programming, which will further the impact of SNAP-Education....
Knowing where your food comes from is vital information for anyone who consumes it. A general understanding of food systems gives people the ability to make informed decisions - in the polling booth, at the grocery store, and around the dinner table. However, not everyone, especially those living...
Staff from University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) have been collaborating on a multi-year project with community organizations to expand public access to health and wellness resources. The health...
University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers often spend time assisting partners with trail maintenance, invasive and aggressive plant removal, and restoration efforts in prairies and forested areas. At times, those tasks require some serious gear. A new crew of volunteers serving...
The need for education and support around youth mental health is an unfortunate reality. Statistics show mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors are rising among young people. This topic was a repeated area of concern addressed by both youth and adults during focus group discussions held by...
Trying new things is not always easy, but the benefits often outweigh the initial discomfort. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development team in the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit created a new workshop series to...
Incorporating craft projects into educational lessons has a unique way of bringing people, traditions, and learning together. It can also have physical benefits such as reduced tension and lower blood pressure. Local University of Illinois Extension staff have combined craft projects with health...
