Mental health matters: Learn how to respond when someone needs aid
URBANA, Ill. – Mental health and substance use issues are common. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health. From 1999 to 2016, 630,000 people died from drug overdose according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....
Whip up creative fun in the kitchen with virtual food challenge
DECATUR, Ill. – Looking for a fun family activity that encourages creativity and helps build life skills? Use your cooking or baking skills to create a dish using a list of secret ingredients for University of Illinois Extension’s Virtual Food Challenge with 4-H.
“Last year’s Virtual...
Discover what you need to know before choosing Evergreens for your landscape
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Home landscapes often include an evergreen or two for color throughout the seasons. Evergreens remain green and functional throughout more than one growing season. But, planting and caring for evergreens takes an investment of time and money, so it is important to make the...
Remove invasive honeysuckle from Fairview Park at volunteer event
DECATUR, Ill. – Several non-native species of honeysuckle are an invasive threat to native biodiversity. With leaves that appear before and drop after many other flowers and trees, bush honeysuckle will block sunlight so that other native species can’t grow. This also makes it easy to identify...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. – Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.
While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December....
Prevent accidents by focusing on safety during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. – A long stretch of clear skies is great news for Illinois farmers who are busy clearing fields during the fall harvest. It also means they may be working long hours more days in a row, which can increase risks for burnout, injury, and stress.
“Farmers are in the field a...
Explore 4-H opportunities with free event offering hands-on activities
FARMER CITY, Ill. – 4-H programs provide youth with opportunities to develop life skills and learn by doing. Robotics, visual arts, woodworking, and animal science are just a few of the over 200 program areas offered through 4-H. Roll up your sleeves and explore what 4-H has to offer.
“...
Make way for farmers on rural roads during fall harvest
DECATUR, Ill. – Harvest season is here, and with it comes safety issues on rural roads. Whether operating farm machinery or a motor vehicle, adopt a “safety first” attitude when sharing roads. During the fall harvest, there are more slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways, creating...
Piatt County Master Gardeners receive state awards
MONTICELLO, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named a Piatt County Master Gardener and a Piatt County Master Gardener Teamwork Project as state award winners. A virtual awards ceremony recognized the winners during the State Master Gardener Conference on...
Preserving foods workshop offers families ways to enjoy foods all season long
CLINTON, Ill. — Preserving can take the shape of canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting- and you can do it at home! Join University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties for a one-day workshop for an introduction to at-home preserving.
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Improve your tree identification skills with free tree walk
Monticello, Ill. – Master Gardener volunteers of DeWitt and Piatt Counties will host tree identification walks this fall. Sessions are free and open to the public. Participants can attend one or both sessions, and space is limited.
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator...
Local 4-H member and her toy poodle finish in top six at Illinois State 4-H dog show
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Dogs are known as man’s best friend. In 4-H, learning to be a responsible dog owner is a project that offers youth opportunities to demonstrate showmanship and dog obedience skills. On August 28, 4-H members from around the state gathered at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment...
Kick off 4-H Week with family friendly event at Tractor Supply
MONTICELLO, Ill. – 4-H believes in the potential of young people and offers the opportunity to learn by doing. National 4-H Week is October 3 to 9 and highlights 4-H youth and programs in the community.
Piatt County 4-H will kick off the festivities with a family-friendly event from 1 to...
Explore your creative side at this free terrarium workshop
CLINTON, Ill. – The terrarium, where artistic style and the love for plants meet. These tiny ecosystems are perfect for indoors and are fun for all ages. Learn about plant selection, building techniques, planting instructions, and displaying and maintaining terrariums at this free workshop...
Lockhart's Barber College and 4-H to offer youth career exploration program
DECATUR, Ill. — Barbering schools were established in the 1890's, but the art of Barbering can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The word barber comes from the Latin word "barba," which means beard. University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties and Lockhart's Barber...
DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H members earn top awards at Illinois State Fair
DECATUR, Ill. — The Orr building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity from August 13 through August 15. Award-winning general projects representing county 4-H programs were on display for everyone to see. DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H members had 63 projects on display on...
