Learn how to grow fresh herbs and the ways to use them
CLINTON, Ill. – Sight, smell, taste, and touch. Growing and using herbs awaken nearly all our senses. Explore the culinary, aromatic, and ornamental value that herbs offer with a free in-person workshop.
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Tour beautiful gardens during the Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Explore five Monticello gardens with the Piatt County Master Gardener Over the Gate Garden Walk. Stroll through vegetable gardens, creative designs, and native landscaping up close. You can also get gardening information you can trust from the Master Gardeners. ...
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe.
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Add interest by creating a moonlight garden
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners who look forward to enjoying their landscapes during warm summer nights should consider creating a moonlight garden that extends the experience late into the evening.
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Can foods safely this season with free test from Illinois Extension
DECATUR, Ill. — A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and pressure canning. Pressure canning is important when canning low-acid foods, particularly meats and vegetables.
Along with providing virtual and in-person classes on preserving at home...
Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden and why it is important
MONTICELLO, Ill. – About one-third of the food and beverages we consume depend on pollinators. Apples, cucumbers, herbs, watermelons, chocolate, and coffee need animals to pollinate them. Pollinators also contribute to plant and animal diversity in our natural areas. Learn how to attract...
Planning, designing a native garden
URBANA, Ill. – Those who love gardening, wildflowers, or who are tired of mowing expansive lawns should consider creating a native plant garden.
Gemini Bhalsod, a horticulture educator with...
New opportunity for teens to hang out with other teens
CLINTON, Ill. – Is your teen ready to get out and have some fun? Then they don’t want to miss this chance to engage with other teens, hang out with a purpose, and become part of the team that sets the pace for those around them. 4‑H civic engagement programs empower teens to be well-informed...
No saddle needed to excel in 4-H Horse Bowl
URBANA, Ill. – The top 4-H horse project learners competed in the Illinois 4-H Horse Bowl Contest in March. Though competitive, the contest...
State 4-H Hippology contest fosters passion for all things equine
URBANA, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent state educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Extension is here to share in your gardening triumphs and woes
DECATUR, Ill. —Are those black spots on your maple tree leaves? Why don’t your roses bloom? Do you get insect infestations in your vegetable garden? You have questions. We have answers. Gardeners from beginner to expert can gather to answer questions, share pictures, and discuss gardening issues...
DeWitt County 4-H Foundation awarded $2500 America's Farmers Grow Communities grant
CLINTON, ILL. – Local farmer Andy Hedrick recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the DeWitt County 4-H Foundation.
The DeWitt County 4-H Foundation donated the funds to the DeWitt County 4-H Fair Board for use in the building...
Learn how to prune your shrubs with 'cutting hedge' technology
MONTICELLO, Ill. - Do you have shrubs in your yard? How and when should you prune them? What can you do to ensure shrubs are healthy for years to come? Join University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel for a...
It's wild out there! Learn about nature at Master Naturalist education day
DECATUR, Ill. – The COVID-19 pandemic brought a whole new appreciation to nature and the world around us. While at home, you probably noticed some interesting birds, insects, or flowers. Join the University of Illinois Extension...
Mandated Food Protection Manager class offered in Macon County
DECATUR, Ill.— Foodservice businesses in Illinois must have a certified Food Protection Manager on-site during operating hours. Cottage Food Operators also need to be certified. University of Illinois Extension in Macon...
Does your child love nature and wildlife? Jr. Naturalist may be for them
DECATUR, Ill.—Children and teens are natural explorers. Encourage that curiosity while also giving them an opportunity to rejuvenate, alleviate stress, exercise, and socialize as they explore nature and wildlife.
In a joint effort between Macon County 4-H and the Macon County...
From hunt to plate, make a tasty dish of your wild game
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois hunters support the health of ecosystems, conservation efforts, and local economies. Successful hunts also provide lean, local protein for families and communities.
University of Illinois Extension, in cooperation with...
Extension addresses lack of Wi-fi access for community
DECATUR, Ill.— According to the Federal Communications Commission’s Eight Broadband progress report, “approximately 9 million Americans- six percent of the population- still lack access to fixed broadband service at threshold speeds.” Rural areas account for approximately one-fourth of the...