Events

Blog Posts

close up of ghost pipe plant, a white, translucent wilting plant
Read article: Rare sighting: Ghost plant
Rare sighting: Ghost plant
While Halloween might be a few months away, it’s already spooky season in the woods!  Today, I’ll be introducing you to Monotropa uniflora...
two ladies standing in the woods with five garbage bags full of garlic mustard
Read article: Spring Creek Preserve: A haven for spring ephemerals
Spring Creek Preserve: A haven for spring ephemerals
By Mike McGraw, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties  Even as a teenager, I loved the...
Profile pic of Extension professional
Read article: Karen Weigelt added to Illinois Extension natural resources team
Karen Weigelt added to Illinois Extension natural resources team
Over the past 13 years, the local University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program has steadily grown in the number of volunteers and the...
Local OPAL logo
Read article: Celebrating 5 years of Local OPAL website
Celebrating 5 years of Local OPAL website
By Julie Robinson, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell countiesIt is hard to believe that 2025 finds...

News Releases

an open book with a neighborhood springing from the pages as if they are growing out of the book
University of Illinois Extension to Host Open House in Salem
University of Illinois Extension invites community members to an Open House on Monday, July 14, from 5-7 p.m. at their office at 1404 E Main, Rt 50 East, Salem, IL 62881. This event is an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about the valuable resources and programs Illinois...
A row of people standing in front of a purple dumpster, cutting a yellow ribbon.
Ribbon cutting celebrates opening of new glass recycling bin in Macomb
MACOMB, Ill. — Years of planning, partnership, and community input came full circle this June as a ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of a dedicated glass recycling bin in Macomb. Guided by experts from University of Illinois Extension, this sustainability initiative responds directly to...
Meteor Shower
Gaze upon the night sky at the 3rd Annual Meteor Shower Watch Party
FAIRBURY, Ill. — Summer nights are my absolute favorite. From running around in grass fields and seeing lightning bugs to the sounds of crickets and cicadas, summer nights hold such warmth and beauty in the natural world. As the day quiets down, the stars come out, and that too leaves me in awe...

Videos

Staff

Staff photo Shiba Kar

Shiba 'Shibu' Kar

Assistant Dean: Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Program Leader. Associate Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant