The Extension Connection

Do you comfort view?

July 24, 2026

Lately, I have caught myself in a habit of rewatching the same television shows rather than finding new shows to explore. I wondered if there was something to this – that maybe others might be doing the same thing. So, I entered this behavior in Google and there it was…. comfort viewing or comfort watching. This makes so much sense since a feeling of comfort is what I experience when watching the...

Blog articles

What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 1

June 30, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Starting a business is often glamorized. You picture creative freedom, financial independence, and the pride of building something from the ground up. While those things can be true, there’s a side of entrepreneurship that rarely gets talked about — the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes reality. If I...

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Could your salad make you sick? Understanding Cyclosporiasis

July 16, 2026

Live Well. Eat Well.

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness, specifically a parasite, that has been causing outbreaks of intestinal illness across the United States recently. How do you get it?Cyclosporiasis is caused by eating food or water that contains the parasite (so small it can only be seen...

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Colorful mixed landscape bed next to a building

Starting a lawn care business? Here's how to get licensed for pesticide application

July 16, 2026

Pesticide News

More and more lawn care companies have emerged in recent years. Many business owners are just starting their companies and need to obtain the appropriate pesticide applicator license before applying pesticides, including herbicides. To help simplify the process, we have put together the...

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container of geraniums in need of deadheading

Deadheading for More Blooms

July 17, 2026

Good Growing

As mid-summer reaches its peak, many flowering plants begin producing faded blooms. One of the simplest maintenance tasks a gardener can do in the height of garden season is to remove spent blooms. Deadheading promotes plant health and encourages new blooms, keeping plants looking good throughout...

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Tomatillos on a round wood board with a decorative red and white towel

Try the new food (featuring tomatillos)

July 29, 2026

Live Well. Eat Well.

Along with sardines, jicama, and pawpaw, tomatillos are on the list of foods I probably never would have eaten, if not for my job where people ask me about food. It's to my benefit to learn about foods...

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Events

Get Growing Bement with Piatt County Master Gardeners text over a purple background with hands in a garden cutting flowers pictured

August 8, 2026

Get Growing Bement!
Learn how to grow, harvest, and arrange beautiful blooms from your own garden in this cut flower workshop with Master Gardeners. Participants will make a mini-bouquet to take home.Pre-registration is preferred by August 7. Walk-ins are welcome.

Dragonflies and Damselflies A Growing Community Program with DeWitt & Piatt Master Gardeners in white text over a purple background with a dragonfly on a flower pictured

August 18, 2026

Dragonflies and Damselflies
Join us to learn about dragonflies and damselflies, two of the most fascinating insects found around ponds, lakes, and streams. Discover how to tell them apart, learn about their life cycle, and find out why they are important to healthy ecosystems.Register by August 17.

Flower with yellow petals and blue circle center in front of colorful green leaves with other yellow flowers in background.

August 19, 2026

Nature Glass Painting
Escape the summer heat and join us for a fun and relaxing evening while creating your own nature art on glass! No artistic ability necessary because Master Naturalist/Master Gardener Art Teacher, Merry Lanker, will be here to assist us all in taking home an adorable, personalized piece of art....

Pink fabric wreath on glass panes surrounded by green door paneling.

August 25, 2026

Fall Wreath Workshop
Join the Macon County Master Gardeners for a fun, adults-only, hands-on workshop where you'll create a beautiful fall flower wreath to decorate your home!We'll guide you step by step through the process, making it easy for beginners and experienced crafters alike. By the end of the...

DeWitt County Master Gardener Training white text overlaying a purple background with 3 people in a garden pictured

September 8, 2026 - November 25, 2026

DeWitt County Fall 2026 Master Gardener Training
Join the Master Gardener Team!The Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is open to any adult with an interest in plants and a desire to share that with others. All Master Gardeners begin with a training course that teaches you all about gardening in Illinois. This adaptive...

The Extension Connection

Do you comfort view?

What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 1

Could your salad make you sick? Understanding Cyclosporiasis

Starting a lawn care business? Here's how to get licensed for pesticide application

Deadheading for More Blooms

Try the new food (featuring tomatillos)

Illinois Producers invited to participate in weather forecast survey