What began as an opportunity to explore a “new-to-them” hiking site turned into a new partnership for University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists (EMN). “In July we hosted a regional hike for all of the Master Naturalists in West Central Illinois,” explained Christine Belless, ag and natural resources coordinator. “We selected a site that was new for our Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell EMNs but is located right in...

To some, showing livestock may appear to be limited to the skills demonstrated within the show ring. But to those who have experienced it, they know the physical skills, life skills, and personal character development go much deeper. And participating in master showmanship contests takes it all to the next level. Master showmanship requires youth to show swine, cattle, and sheep; rather than just showing the one or two species youth are raising and involved with in 4-H. The goal of the...

Educating people about nutritious foods and exercise is just the first step in helping people improve their health and wellness. Teaching people how to afford and cook the food, where to buy or how to grow the food, and how to have time to manage it all are other important pieces of the puzzle. Healthy Cents is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education) curriculum that local...

Health and wellness involves more than just nutrition education. People may know the “right foods” to eat or the “bad foods” to avoid, but availability and affordability can also be deciding factors. Recently First Baptist Church Food Pantry (FBC) in Canton worked with University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (...

It can be hard to pull yourself away from the computer or TV and get outside, but it is well worth it. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development team in the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit created a new program to help encourage youth and families to explore the outdoors. Throughout the spring and summer, 485 youth and adults received 4-H...

Have you ever wanted to know how to identify trees in your yard or wondered why the leaves turn different colors in the fall? University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) are bringing answers to these questions and more to interactive tree walks hosted by Canton Park District. In October, EMG Terry Meade led a group of 30 attendees on a guided tree walk at Big Creek Park in Canton...

“We are not sure who has more fun at Illinois Junior Chef (IJC)….the youth or the staff,” Kaytlin Beekman, University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Education community worker mentioned. Kaytlin and the entire SNAP-Education team serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties spent a good portion of their summer teaching IJC programs...

Sunshine, beautiful gardens, space to play, and educational activities make for a great day. Those are the key elements University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners had in mind as they planned the second annual Young Garden Explorer’s Day at Illinois Central College (ICC). This year’s event almost tripled in attendance with 112 youth and adults exploring the gardens. As the name implies the...

Career exploration is a big part of the 4-H world. Sometimes members are exposed to careers subtly and other times they are the main focus. For the past nine years, University of Illinois Extension staff have focused on careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at 4G STEM Camp (...

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce Richard Proffer as the new community and economic development educator. He brings a wealth of experience in business retention and expansion work, small business development, economic development, and strategic planning. “With the continued decline in rural growth across the country, it is important to help rural communities reinvent...

How many people does it take to grow 2,500 pounds of vegetables in one season? In the case of the Morton Giving Garden it takes the whole community. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) from Tazewell County created the Morton Giving Garden in 2010 to grow and donate fresh produce to local food pantries. The longevity and success of the garden is thanks to the collaboration with several local organizations. The garden is located on land provided by the...

Everyone has a fundamental need to feel a part of a group such as a family, a group of friends, or a team. In the 4-H world, it is referred to as a “sense of belonging.” Fostering a sense of belonging is one of the main priorities of the 4-H program within the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, as well as across the state. No matter the type of 4-H experience, youth are positively impacted by those feelings of being a part of something bigger than themselves, having shared experiences, and...

Experiential learning is a longtime piece of the 4-H philosophy. It is one of the program’s guiding principles that focuses on intentional learning experiences, where the integration of knowledge, skills, and behaviors of formal and non-formal education strategies are applied. Pleasant Workers 4-H Club in Mason County implemented an experiential learning, kid-friendly theme this year called “Lets Learn!” Amy Dowell, club leader explained the theme permits youth to learn from each other rather...

The large impact that hunger plays in the health of our communities is something that University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) works to promote in all their work. In March of 2022, Illinois SNAP-Ed had the chance to do this on a larger scale through hosting two Hunger & Health Conferences for charitable food partners and other organizations in Springfield and Oglesby. SNAP-Ed staff serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties...

Farm women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets, and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. In June 2022, sixteen women completed the Annie’s Project course with University of Illinois Extension serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. They were empowered to be better business partners or sole operators through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. Annie’s Project is a discussion-based...

Art and nature go hand-in-hand for Extension Master Naturalist and artist Peggy West. She uses her skills and expertise to educate and advocate for critical issues of the environment. Peggy became certified through the Morton Arboretum in 2003 for Botanical Art and Illustration. She spent 16 years using her artistic skills to raise awareness of native species and advocate for environmental stewardship; and then in 2019, she completed the...

Youth and adults from Peoria County worked together on a unique community service project that they and others will watch grow for many years and will benefit generations to come. Thanks to a 4-H Green Communities Tree Program, 4-H members, parents, volunteers, Extension Master Gardeners, and staff from University...

Healthy living is more than just what we eat and drink. Thanks to partnerships, University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education staff in Tazewell County enhanced their standard curriculum with additional hands-on activities and gifts for the youth and adult participants. Container Gardening Fruits and vegetables are a consistent topic within SNAP-Ed programs. A lesson within the Healthy Cents curriculum teaches the basics of container...

Food is a big part of our lives. It can be part of who we are, where we came from, and how we express ourselves. This is especially true when it comes to food and the holidays. In an effort to encourage and educate people how to keep their health a priority during the holidays, University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed) staff created and taught Holiday...

“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” - Kirill Korshikov. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Bob Coppernoll is a shining example of this truth. Bob completed EMG training in 1992 after retiring from Caterpillar, Inc. as a computer programmer. He has enjoyed 30 years volunteering in the Peoria area and completing continuing education in...