Monthly Unit Impact Snapshots
4-H and Canton Park District bring a piece of Illinois history back to Fulton County
Early settlers to the Midwest were in awe of the park-like landscapes of oak savannas, which once dotted the prairie. Today, these beautiful and unique ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world. But thanks to the 4-H Green Communities Tree Program, a new generation of young people is helping to bring them back to Fulton County.
Golden Garden Day—West Central Celebration, 50 Years of Extension Master Gardener Impact
In 2025, the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of impact. Five regional events invited people from all over Illinois to join in looking back at the Extension Master Gardener program and how it has grown since 1975. Extension staff and volunteers from the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit hosted the West Central regional event. The event centered around what all EMGs love, being out in the garden and connecting with other nature-lovers.
Garden of Hope and SNAP-Ed work together on health and gardening classes
Gardening is an excellent activity to do for one’s health. It combines healthy nutritious food, with outdoor activity. When you add those to a lovely, peaceful environment you have a recipe for success. University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed) teams up with OSF St. Ann’s Garden of Hope to provide classes held in the garden.