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...
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...
Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs.
This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...
Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards
DECATUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Macon County Master Gardeners and a Macon County Master Gardener teamwork project as state award winners. The winners will be recognized September 10...
Start your adventure with 4-H, new year enrollment now open
CLINTON, Ill. – Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not. 4-H helps even the playing field by offering a safe space for all youth to engage in hands-on activities where kids learn by doing. With over 200 project areas, there literally is something for everyone in 4-H. Whether a youth is...
Join 4-H shooting sports to learn safety and precision
CLINTON, Ill. – 4-H programs provide youth with opportunities to develop life skills and learn by doing. One of these program areas is shooting sports, where youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting, and much more.
“Dan and Kathryn...