Be ready for severe weather before the sirens go off
URBANA, Ill. – Weather can change from blue skies to ominous clouds in an instant in Illinois. When the wail of an alert siren is heard, it’s a warning sign that should not be ignored.
Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week is Feb. 28 to March 4. The early awareness allows ...
Build confidence in fruit tree pruning with free educational workshop
CLINTON, Ill. – Want to make an apple or peach pie, but your fruit tree isn’t bearing enough fruit? Pruning may be the answer. Pruning can improve tree vigor, encourage flower and fruit production, and attain the desired shape. Learn about this and more in a hands-on workshop hosted by...
Dig in to gardening at Piatt County Master Gardeners’ educational day
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Spring is right around the corner, so the time to plan your garden is now. Beginners, as well as seasoned gardeners, will learn something new at this fun and informative event. Educators from across Illinois will discuss butterfly gardening, living with wildlife, native tree...
Join Master Gardeners for a seed swap and learn about seed saving
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Tired of planting the same old things? Maybe you have an abundance of particular seeds. Swap them for something new at the Seed Swap.
Seed Swap hosted by Piatt County Master Gardeners will be at 6 p.m. on March 1 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello...
Test private wells to ensure safe drinking water
URBANA, Ill. – A properly constructed and maintained water well can provide many years of trouble-free service, but over time, wells can deteriorate or become damaged, allowing surface contaminants to enter the water in the well. In addition, groundwater can become contaminated.
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Lockhart's Barber College and 4-H team up for career exploration program
DECATUR, Ill. — Learning a trade is a career path available to students who don’t want to attend a four-year college. Trade schools offer a more direct route to a degree or accreditation. However, many youth are unaware of this option and struggle with the question, “what do I want to do after...
Get creative and make your own plant terrarium at hands-on workshop
CLINTON, Ill. – Don’t put a lid on that succulent terrarium. Learn why and get more information on terrarium construction, plant selection, care and maintenance in this workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension.
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Webinar series encourages gardeners to start thinking about spring
CLINTON, Ill. — It’s time for gardeners to start thinking about spring. Taking the time now to do some “gardening homework” is essential to planning for the season. University of Illinois Extension’s Four...
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...