Monthly Unit Impact Snapshots
Extension and College of Medicine team up to teach Social Emotional and Ethical Learning for local youth-serving staff
Over the past two years, University of Illinois Extension 4-H and SNAP-Ed educators have partnered with University of Illinois College of Medicine faculty and Dr. Tiffany Abrego, Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to provide vital training on Social Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning. Since August 2023, 66 afterschool and youth programming professionals have participated in this targeted professional development series.
Local gardeners benefit from seed starting workshops
On one hand the concepts are simple, but on the other hand there are details and techniques that help gardeners increase their success at seed starting. In early 2025, University of Illinois Extension hosted a series of hands-on seed starting workshops across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties, helping local gardeners start plants from seed successfully.
Farm drainage case study shows adding or updating drain tile improves yield
Installing drain tiles in a field comes with initial expense, but data shows that the improved crop yield can pay for the project in a short period of time. Kevin Brooks, Farm Business Manager and Marketing educator is working on a farm drainage case study to present the data representing local farm operations.
Horticulture team adds program coordinator to support growing program
Ainsley Olsen is the newest member of the University of Illinois Extension horticulture team serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. With the growing Master Gardener program, demand for horticulture education, and the addition of the Conservation@Home program it became critical to expand the horticulture team in order to maintain the excellent quality of programs.