The Extension Connection

How much money do you need to retire?

July 30, 2025

The dream of retiring may start early in your career, but are you taking active steps to support a comfortable retirement in the future? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average social security benefit amount for retired workers as of June 2025 is $2,005 per month. Do you have more than $24,060 in...

Blog articles

Two apples and two bananas on a wood table with a gray brick background. Sugar cubes sit in front of fruit

Fruit isn't too much sugar

July 23, 2025

To Your Health

"Bananas are too high in sugar, right?" asked a class participant last week. A few years before, a class participant asked if her teenager could have two kiwifruit with breakfast. Wasn't that too much sugar? They're not the only ones who have asked. After years of teaching community classes, I...

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Events

August 9, 2025

Native Pollinators
The Crossing Garden Education series is a free monthly program focusing on a variety of topics during the 2025 growing season. Join the Master Gardeners for this month's session to learn about native pollinators. Dates and topics for monthly sessions:March 11- What do I need...

Growing Cut Flowers text pictured over purple block with flowers pictured in the background

August 11, 2025

Growing Cut Flowers Garden Open House
Join us at the Monticello Community Garden for Growing Cut Flowers and the Garden Open House!  Drop in anytime between 11 am to 1 pm to learn about the master gardener cut flower garden and make a mini flower bouquet.  Register by August 10....

August 12, 2025

Spiders, Drought, and Weeds! Oh My!
The Crossing Garden Education series is a free monthly program focusing on a variety of topics during the 2025 growing season. Join the Master Gardeners for this month's session to learn how to address minor and major irritations in the garden.Dates and topics for monthly sessions:...

Hands holding a plant with soil background

August 14, 2025

Plants 101 with Main Street Botanicals
Main Street Botanicals is partnering with 4-H again to teach youth ages 8 - 18 about plant knowledge! During Plants 101, youth will learn about potting plants, different soils, plant maintenance, and more! This program will allow participants to pot their own plants and decorate them to take home...

Pickle Magic - jars of pickles and herbs

August 19, 2025

Pickle Magic at Maroa Library
There's nothing quite like the taste of a home-preserved pickle, but many are unfamiliar with how simple the preserving process is. Making pickles doesn't have to be overwhelming! Learn how to prepare flavorful pickles at this make and take workshop presented by Nutrition and Wellness staff. ...

Pollinators in the Park text pictured over a picture of a hummingbird and butterfly on a flower

August 23, 2025

Pollinators in the Park
Join us for Pollinators in the Park and learn about butterflies!  Learn about common butterflies in Illinois, their anatomy and lifecycle along with habitat elements of a butterfly garden. There is no fee associated with this program.  

September 4, 2025

Money and You
Teens! Come join the University of Illinois Macon County Extension as we learn about spending, income, and savings! In this session, you will learn about keeping track of your money, managing household expenses, and learning the difference between values, wants, and needs. Money and You is a free,...

September 5, 2025

Edible Plant Walk
Dr. Jason Robinson from Illinois Natural History Survey will be leading this exciting hike, which will focus on the many edible plants found in nature. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time outside and discover more about the natural world. Please wear hiking clothes and suitable shoes. ...

Master Gardener Training 2025 text pictured over a beautiful flower garden

September 9, 2025 - November 26, 2025

2025 DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Master Gardener Training
The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” To become a Master Gardener all you need is an interest in gardening, time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others.Master Gardener training, taught by University of...