Advance local impact with Watershed Stewards
Bloomington Ill. – Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is tied to the...
Fruit tree pruning event at PrairiErth Farm
Atlanta Ill., Nick Frillman, a Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator with the Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator team, will be hosting a tree fruit pruning workshop at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta, Illinois. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00...
Swap seeds at Woodford community event
WOODFORD Ill. – The cold and snowy days have arrived, making it the perfect time to dream about how your yard or garden might look this coming summer. Cultivating native plants that naturally thrive in our region offers numerous advantages. Once established, these plants...
Register NOW for Home, Lawn, and Garden Day—a day of gardening, fun and learning!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Although snow may still be on the ground, garden season is just around the corner! If you’re eager to explore new plants, learn fresh techniques, or tackle your gardening challenges, don’t miss the University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners’ 23rd...
Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics
URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program...
Illinois Deer Donation Program evolves to Hunters Feeding Illinois to combat hunger
URBANA, Ill. — In response to rising food and meat prices and food pantries' difficulties obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension and key partners launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This initiative initially covered 12 counties and has combated food insecurity by...
4-H Livestock Skillathon prepares youth for careers in animal agriculture
Urbana, Ill. – Sixty 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer and fall. ...
Illinois 4-H members showcase talents at 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four Illinois 4-H members represented Illinois 4-H at the 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield Nov. 1-2. Their short films were selected among submissions from 21 countries, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young filmmakers. Only...
Owl Prowl draws the crowd to wrap up 2024
Fairbury, Ill. – Fugate Woods Nature Preserve in Livingston County served as the host site for numerous educational events throughout 2024 and concluded the season on November 2 with Night Owl Prowl. This was the seventh event of the year led by University of Illinois...
Join the Party at Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, IL. – Come and have some fun at the last Diabetes Clinic for the year! There will be games, prizes, and food for all to enjoy. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, for the last 2024 Diabetes Clinic. The Diabetes Clinic class, “...
Attend Tai Chi series for arthritis and fall prevention
PONTIAC, Ill. – Older adults are more likely to fall, which can cause serious injury. Many studies have shown that Tai Chi is one of the most effective approaches for preventing falls. Medical authorities agree that suitable exercise for people with arthritis should incorporate components that...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o'-lanterns?With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Greet nocturnal critters at Creatures of the Night
Fairbury, Ill. – With cool air and crunchy leaves beneath our feet, October is the time of year filled with spooky stories, weekend bonfires, and excitement under the stars. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family outdoors, and we want you to join us for some fall fun! ...
Join us for the nighttime adventure of the Night Owl Prowl
LIVINGSTON, Ill. – The 2024 calendar year has been a thriving and encouraging time at Fugate Woods with multiple educational events bringing the community together. The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists and Prairie Lands Foundation have led six events in 2024 already, and if...
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. – For those who live in a small town the benefits of small-town living seem obvious. However, it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
McLean County Master Gardeners Receive State Awards
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension congratulates the following McLean County Master Gardeners for receiving state awards from the Illinois Master Gardener program. The award winners were recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on Friday,...
