The Extension Connection

Holidays during stressful times: Finding joy in the middle of chaos

October 28, 2025

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. However, for many, it can also be a period filled with stress and pressure. Navigating family gatherings, financial responsibilities, and the expectations of creating memorable experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed. For some, the constant presence of commercials, advertisements, and elaborate decorations in...

Blog articles

Don't Bag Your Fall Leaves, Use Them

October 27, 2025

Fall leaves represent a valuable resource for your lawn and garden. According to Rhonda Ferree, retired University of Illinois Extension educator, “Adding a two-inch layer of leaf mulch adds approximately 150 pounds of nitrogen, 20 pounds of phosphorus, and 65 pounds of potassium per acre (...

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three packets of different seeds spilling out on a wooden table with a notebook to record the seeds

Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid: An important distinction when saving seeds

October 10, 2025

Good Growing

Each year, I try to grow a few different fruits and vegetables. Sometimes the unknown crop turns out to be a dud that produces a lackluster harvest, a pitiful yield, or simply proves to be poorly adapted to my garden. But now and then, we discover a real gem. A plant that thrives in our local...

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News releases

October 27, 2025

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

Events

Pumpkin with recycling symbol for eyes. Pumpkin Smash 2025. Don't trash pumpkins, smash them

November 8, 2025

Pumpkin Smash at Fairview Park
Decorate now, recycle later.Whether picking out pumpkins from a field or carving fun faces into them with friends, pumpkins show everyone it’s the fall season. What happens when it’s time to say goodbye as they melt on the porch? Turn that pumpkin into compost at this free outdoor family-friendly...

November 13, 2025

Master Gardener Open House
Come celebrate with the Macon County Master Gardeners at our community open house! Explore our beautiful demonstration gardens, enjoy three hands-on mini workshops (with a fun take-home kit included!), and see the difference gardening makes in our community! Whether you're curious about gardening,...

Festive Flavors with Christmas decorations

November 14, 2025

Festive Flavors - Holiday Dips
Prepare for the busy cooking season with a fun, hands-on class where you'll make and sample healthy, flavorful dips that are perfect for holiday gatherings! Please register by November 10 by calling 217-935-5764 or by clicking the "register here" button.  

Heart Smart Eating showing various food groups with stethescope

November 14, 2025

Heart Smart Eating
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Changes to lifestyle, including food choices, can improve symptoms like high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. In "Heart Smart Eating," learn about 4 categories of...

November 18, 2025

What’s in Your Garden? Invasive, Nuisance Species, and Garden Health
What’s in Your Garden? Invasive, Nuisance Species, and Garden HealthA Growing Community Program hosted by DeWitt & Piatt Master GardenersKnowing the difference between invasive, aggressive, and nuisance tree, shrub, and plant species can make or break your garden....

Little Sprouts with 4-H and Master Gardeners, text shown over pictue of young children

November 22, 2025

Little Sprouts with 4-H and Master Gardeners
Little Sprouts with 4-H and Master Gardeners  will introduce youth, ages 3-5, to nature and gardening through storybooks and activities. Join us for a story about leaves and explore the shapes, colors, similarities, and differences in fall leaves. An adult must stay with child during the...

December 11, 2025

Paracord Knot Tying Workshop
4-H Fiber Arts Series: Paracord Knot Tying Workshop is a two part series where youth will be introduced to 4-H Fiber Arts! Part 1 will be an introduction to Craft Knot Tying: Fisherman's Knot, Cow Hitch, Cobra Knot, Box Knot (Crown Sinnet). Youth will leave with a Cobra Knot...

Healthy foods pictured in the shape of a heart with a stethoscope

December 4, 2025

December 13, 2025

Little Sprouts with 4-H and Master Gardeners
This is the second session of Little Sprouts with 4-H and Master Gardeners at the Blue Ridge Township Library. Little Sprouts is open to youth of all ages and introduces them to nature and gardening through storybooks and activites. An adult must stay with any child under 6 during the program....

January 14, 2026

Paracord Knot Tying Workshop Part II
4-H Fiber Arts Series: Paracord Knot Tying Workshop is a two part series where youth will be introduced to 4-H Fiber Arts! Part 2 will be an introduction to Craft Knot Tying: Starting off a knot tying project, Round Crown Sinnet, Fishtail Weave/Knot, Diamond Knot. Youth will...