The Extension Connection

Illinois 4-H horse judging contest crowns top youth competitors

February 6, 2026

GALVA, Ill. — Youth from 29 counties across Illinois participated in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 1, at Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva.Shelby Krutke of McLean County earned the Larry Carls Memorial Award as the contest’s overall high point individual.In the non-reasons division, top individual placings were earned by Shelby Krutke of McLean County, Olivia...

Blog articles

a bird getting ready to eat from a frozen bird seed wreathe

Choose the right feeder and seed for birds in the winter

February 2, 2026

ILRiverHort

By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Conservation@Home member serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesOn Sundays, when the grand kids arrive, they often check whether the bird feeders are full and hurry to fill them with seed for our feathered...

Finish this story

Mixed bouquet of pink and white flowers wrapped in paper on a wooden table surrounded by other flowers ready for a bouquet

Bright Blooms: How to Care for Flower Bouquets

February 13, 2026

Good Growing

A fresh bouquet instantly brightens a room and a mood, but keeping those flowers vibrant takes a little know-how. With the right care, the vase life of a bouquet can be extended by days or weeks. Here is an easy guide to help your flowers stay beautiful for as long as possible.High-quality...

Finish this story

wine-red spathes of skunk cabbage emerging from the snow

Skunk cabbage: Spring’s earliest and hottest native plant

February 6, 2026

Good Growing

The cold winter temperatures may make it seem like spring is a long way off, but before we know it, spring will arrive, bringing warmer temperatures and spring-blooming plants. When we think about spring-blooming plants, many plants may come to mind, including traditional garden favorites, such as...

Finish this story

What will a good bull cost me in 2026?

February 5, 2026

The Cattle Connection

A popular question this time of year is “What will a good bull cost me?.” My go-to answer is usually… “How much revenue loss would you have from a pasture full of open cows?” After all, we often de-value the role of the bull. We forget that he is a crucial part of the equation to making our product...

Finish this story

Events

Dig In and Discover, text layerd over picture of older gentleman and child picking tomatoes

March 7, 2026

Dig In and Discover
This is a family-friendly event, designed to spark joy and creativity while giving participants the confidence to grow something beautiful. At multiple mini-workshops, Piatt County Master Gardeners will guide you through practical skills and hands-on projects perfect for beginners and seasoned...

Multiple green plants on dirt ground and silver garden beds.

March 10, 2026

To Seed or Not to Seed: What Is the Question?
This in-person educational series will guide you through a full gardening season — from starting seeds and nurturing young plants to harvesting big and wrapping things up for the year. Along the way, Master Gardeners will share practical tips, tried-and-true techniques, and a few insider secrets to...

Kitchen Safety Check-up text layered over a picture of a man looking into a pot of noodles

March 12, 2026

Kitchen Safety Check-up
Discuss 4 ways home cooks can be more food safe in their kitchens. What practices are you doing that might increase your risk of foodborne illness? Let’s talk food safety at home – from cleaning to cooking to leftovers.Register by March 11. 

Houseplant Propagation with Master Gardeners, text layered over purple background with black plastic garden tray pictured filled with soil and propagated plants

March 17, 2026

Houseplant Propagation
Are your houseplants overgrown and leggy? Would you like more of your favorites, or does a friend want a start of one of your plants? This program will show you how to propagate houseplants using a number of different techniques, including leaf or stem cuttings, division, and air layering. This...

Cooking Under Pressure text layered over an instant pot pressure cooker filled with vegetables

March 19, 2026

Cooking Under Pressure
This isn't your grandma's manual pressure cooker. Electric pressure cookers help tenderize meat, cook grains, beans, and vegetables quickly, and can even make desserts. Learn the basics of using the popular appliance, including safety steps.  Along with the lesson, enjoy a recipe...

Motivation Monday: Diabetes at the Y text layered over a grey background with animated heart, stethescope, and blood pressure meter pictured

March 23, 2026

Motivation Monday: Diabetes at the Y
Understanding how food impacts blood sugar can increase your confidence to manage diabetes day-to-day. Join Illinois Extension for educational sessions to strengthen your knowledge and skills. Recipe demonstrations and food samples are provided.There will be multiple classes and...

Babysitting Workshop with 4-H, text layered over a picture of two young girls playing with toys on a carpet

April 6, 2026

Babysitting Workshop
Join our Babysitting Workshop and discover what it takes to be a trusted, confident babysitter!Participants will: Find out if babysitting is right for themEach participant will go home with a “Magic Bag” filled with essentials for fun and safetyLearn the business side of...

Yellow and black butterfly getting nectar from small purple flowers.

April 11, 2026

Spring Birds & Blooms
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn - no experience needed, just curiosity and a love for nature. Join us for a day of fun, discovery, and hands-on learning!Throughout the day, you will:Learn about spring birds and simple ways to identify them.Learn about...