Horticulture day-long program helps gardeners plan for the season
DECATUR, Ill. — The new year has just begun, and gardeners are busy planning for the season. Gardening Insights is an annual event hosted by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners in Macon County. This day-long event is an opportunity for gardeners to receive research-based...
Local 4-H educator honored for professional dedication, service
CLINTON, Ill. – The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals recognized local University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educator Jamie Boas held in November during its national conference in Memphis. The conference, a 75-year...
New Extension communications director advances mission of community, global outreach
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension experts have worked in communities around the state providing research-based solutions for life’s everyday problems. In that time, Extension outreach efforts have evolved from community-focused in-person and mail...
Master Gardener Program offers new training options
DECATUR, Ill. – You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening, a willingness to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with...
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...
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...