Fulton 4-H members participate in public speaking
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held March 26 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. 4-H member Addison Fidler presented a formal speech about Cryptocurrencies, and 4-H member Aliyah Janssen presented a humorous oral interpretation about...
The NRA Foundation awards $3,200 to the Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The NRA Foundation has awarded the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports program a grant totaling $3,200 to fund shotgun and rifle ammunition. "We are very thankful for the continued support we have received from the NRA," said Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator "The...
STEM Academy is back in person
PEORIA, Ill - We are excited to be bringing STEM Academy back live and in person this year, through the collaboration of Pearl Technology, Richwood Township, Caterpillar, and University of Illinois Extension. The theme is Capture the Flag, which may make you think of the physical game of running...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports to hold spring session
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension announces that the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports Program will begin its spring session on April 10. Registration materials are available online at...
Early blooming spring ephemerals flowers welcome warmer weather
URBANA, Ill. – Spring ephemeral flowers are nature’s gems after winter. These short-lived beauties are wildflowers that grow in woodlands in the early spring before the leaves on deciduous trees are open. They are called spring ephemerals because they have a relatively short blooming time....
Pelleted seed gives gardeners a sown in advantage
URBANA, Ill. – Have you noticed the windowed packets of seeds at garden centers with brightly colored “seeds”? These pelleted seeds are small or irregular seed that have a specialized inert coating applied to improve planting, spacing, and germination. Often the coating, which increases the...
Secure your farm's security by knowing your legal rights
URBANA, Ill. – Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances.
University of Illinois Extension partners with Farm Commons for a four-part series on legal issues for farms....
Get growing with indoor kitchen garden
URBANA, Ill. – Growing food is not limited to outdoors in the summer. With some planning, you can grow food indoors throughout the year.
University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle says that before starting an indoor kitchen garden, it is essential to...
Local teens earn special state 4-H awards
PEKIN, Ill - To be selected for a state 4-H scholarship is quite an honor, as the competition is steep. University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is proud to announce that four local 4-H members were selected to receive $1,000 career achievement scholarships as well as...
Farm women are decision makers – Annie’s Project prepares them well
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Farm women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets, and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. At Annie’s Project courses, farm women become empowered to be better business partners or sole operators through...
4-H offers new nature-based family activities
PEKIN, Ill. - As Spring approaches in Illinois, many people are anxious for warmer weather that will allow them to spend more time outdoors. Although many people love being outdoors, it can sometimes be challenging to get children to spend time outside or to make the time to explore nature. A...
Pelleted seeds improve planting ease, germination rates
URBANA, Ill. – Tiny seeds provide challenges for gardeners trying to evenly space lettuce, onion, carrot, and herb seeds. Pelleted seeds are coated with a biodegradable material and easier to hold and plant.
The colorful coating also protects the seed, improving germination rates. Pre-...
Keep jumping worms from damaging lawns, gardens, natural areas
URBANA, Ill. – A new threat is invading Illinois. Jumping worms attack gardens, lawns, and natural areas with devastating results.
Illinois Extension forestry research specialist Chris Evans says the worms are voracious eaters that decrease soil quality and reduce organic matter....
Natural world guides archaeologists in their investigation of ancient people
URBANA, Ill. – People have lived in Illinois for over 15,000 years and have used the natural resources the state has to offer in different ways through time.
Archaeologists draw on many fields in natural resource sciences to understand the people of the past and how they lived....
Geothermal energy systems capture the power of the sun
URBANA, Ill. – Solar energy is not limited to solar panels. Geothermal energy represents another method of using solar energy to heat water and buildings and to generate electricity.
As the sun heats the earth’s surface, geothermal systems harvest this energy in a clean, efficient, and...
