Local Food & Small Farms
Growing local food in healthy soil is a year-round investment.
Farming is not a one-season job. Growing food for the community is a year-round investment. Managing the soil to grow healthy, nutritious food with fewer inputs requires knowledge and experience. Illinois Extension recognizes that your livelihood is in the soil. Illinois Extension provides research-based education to support your sustainable practices in the field. Working together, we can create healthy soil that grows healthy plants so you have one less worry during the 4 AM harvest for Saturday morning market.
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Illinois Extension Forestry

Illinois Extension Local Foods | Small Farms
Community Resources

The Refuge Food Forest

Master Naturalists
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Flowers, Fruits, & Frass Blog
If you're looking for a casual read or seeking an answer to a garden question, the educational information found in our blog will deliver the answers you need to grow your garden with confidence.
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Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists
Our local ecosystems do not contain immense caverns or steep mountains but they do contain an incredible diversity of life awaiting discovery. Learn from University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists about our local preserves.
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