The Foods and Flavors of the Mediterranean Diet
UTICA, Ill. - The Mediterranean diet is recognized as the best overall diet for incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. It emphasizes limiting processed foods and added sugars to promote better overall health....
Create a miniature ecosystem at the Master Gardener Terrarium Workshop
HENRY, Ill. – Get creative and connect with nature at our Terrarium Workshop, a hands-on program taking place Friday, March 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marshall-Putnam Extension Office, 509 Front Street, Suite 4, Henry, IL 61537. This interactive workshop will guide...
Join Illinois Master Naturalists for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop for young nature enthusiasts
HENRY, Ill. – Families are invited to join University of Illinois Extension and Master Naturalist volunteers on March 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office (509 Front St, Henry, IL 61537) for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop designed especially for...
Learn how to grow fresh produce year-round with Illinois Master Gardeners
PRINCETON, Ill. – Gardening doesn’t have to end when summer does! Join Illinois Master Gardeners on March 10, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Princeton Public Library (698 E Peru St, Princeton, IL 61356) to learn how you can grow fresh produce indoors year-round.Learn how to...
Join Illinois Master Naturalists for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop for young nature enthusiasts
OTTAWA, Ill. – Families are invited to join University of Illinois Extension and Master Naturalist volunteers on March 7, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop designed especially for children. This engaging...
Secure your farm’s future: free succession planning workshop for farm families
OTTAWA, Ill. – Farm succession planning is more than just passing down land—it’s about protecting your family’s legacy, ensuring financial security, and maintaining harmony across generations. Without a clear plan, farms can face legal challenges, tax burdens, and family disputes that...
Learn about seed starting and saving with Illinois Master Gardeners
OTTAWA, Ill. – It’s never too early to start planning for the growing season! Learn the basics of seed starting and seed saving on February 26, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Reddick Public Library (1010 Canal St, Ottawa, IL 61350).Participants will learn practical techniques...
Get a jumpstart on the growing season with Illinois Master Gardeners
PERU, Ill. – Gardeners eager to get a head start on the growing season are invited to attend the University of Illinois Extension’s Grow Light Workshop on February 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Peru Public Library (1409 11th St, Peru, IL 61354).This hands-on program led by...
Discover Illinois’ prehistoric past at Fossil Identification Workshop
OTTAWA, Ill. – Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of fossils found right here in Illinois! University of Illinois Extension invites fossil enthusiasts of all experience levels to a hands-on Fossil Identification Workshop on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p...
Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...
Learn about Illinois’ reptiles with Master Naturalists at the Utica Library
UTICA, Ill. – Illinois is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles, from sleek snakes to hardy turtles, and many of them can be found right in our own backyards. Join us on February 5, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Utica Public Library (224 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373) for Scales &...
Upcoming Putnam County library program to highlight Illinois Centennial Soil Archive Project
GRANVILLE, Ill. – Ever wonder how our soil has changed over the last 100 years? Discover the incredible story behind the University of Illinois Soil Lab's Centennial Soil Archive Project. A key piece of Illinois' agricultural heritage is a world-class, one-of-a-kind soil sample...
Let it Dough, Make and Take Bread Workshop
OGLESBY, Ill. - Join Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator Susan Glassman and learn the art of breadmaking. Proof the yeast, mix the dough, knead, let rise, and bake till done in our annual bread workshop. Participants will learn to make and bake a classic coffee cake and a lower-...
Start native seeds outdoors this winter with Illinois Master Gardeners
OGLESBY, Ill. – Looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add native plants to your home garden? Join Illinois Master Gardeners for our Winter Sowing Natives Workshop on January 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) and learn how to start...
Ready, Set, Fly into the Future! Beyond Ready to Fly!
PRINCETON, Ill.- The new 4-H Drone Clubs in Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties are taking flight! Thanks to a generous grant from Compeer Financial, our 4-H team was able to purchase three drone kits and launch an exciting learning adventure for more than 25 youth...
Northbrook Middle School Students Raise $850 for Local Food Pantry
MENDOTA, Ill. - Seventh and eighth-grade students at Northbrook Middle School in Mendota are stepping up to address food insecurity in their communities through the 4-H Food Action Academy. The 4-H Food Action Academy is a curriculum designed to help youth understand how food...
University of Illinois Extension announces winter conservation series for farmers and landowners
OGLESBY, Ill. – Conservation practices are essential for sustaining Illinois agriculture, protecting natural resources, and improving farm profitability. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers and landowners to a five-part educational series focused on conservation practices that...
