ILRiverHort

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Morton Public Library Tree Walk

September 2, 2024

The Morton Public Library has a diverse collection of trees planted on the library property. Extension Master Gardeners have identified twenty-six trees to illustrate that diversity and provide a sampling of species one might find in Illinois...

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Add fall bloomers to the garden

August 24, 2024

Adding flowers that bloom later in the season provides resources to pollinators into the fall. As they prepare for migration or overwintering, this is a critical season to ensure they have the required resources. Native plants are an excellent way to ensure that the blooms have the necessary...

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Field notes from the bluebird trail

July 25, 2024

By Joe Huether, Illinois Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesFor as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the naming of things. As a kid, gazing through the window of the family van, I’d watch the scenery change as we flew past: subtle...

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Native plant demonstration garden flourishes in its first year

July 24, 2024

Volunteers from the Fulton County Farm Bureau, Extension Master Gardeners, and Extension Master Naturalists planted close to 200 native plants around the Farm Bureau Building. On May16, 2023, nearly 20 volunteers helped to prepare soil and plant more than twenty-five species of native plants. We...

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Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Laura Hertz

July 24, 2024

By Laura Hertz, Illinois Extension Master Gardener serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIn 2018, I became aware of the importance of native plants after listening to a webinar featuring Doug Tallamy, an entomologist from Dartmouth most known for his books ...

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Provide resources to pollinators in any space with container gardens

June 26, 2024

Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for growing pollen and nectar...

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Mike McGraw holding his Conservation at Home sign

Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Mike McGraw and Pat England

June 26, 2024

By Mike McGraw, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIn September, 2023, my wife and I were honored to have our yard certified as eco-friendly by the Conservation@Home program. It has been a 29-year journey from “nothing” to a small haven for...

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In search of the American badger

June 6, 2024

By Carla Rich Montez, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIt’s not easy to examine the life of an animal that is secretive, solitary and nocturnal.Just ask any scientist who has attempted to study the American badger. In fact, details about its...

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group of people in the woods along a stream

Join the fight against invasive species in America's wild places with Wild Spotter

May 21, 2024

Invasive Species   Invasive species refer to any harmful non-native plant, animal, or organism that can negatively impact the environment, economy, and human or animal health. These species can be found in both aquatic and terrestrial areas. Each reproductive part of an invasive species,...

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Simple steps to help prevent the spread of invasive species 

May 8, 2024

There are a few simple steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Avoid moving soil or debris from one area to another. When engaging in fishing, hiking, hunting, or camping activities, ensure that your clothes, footwear, and equipment are free of soil and debris before entering...

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