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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

“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-...

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...

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, 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

“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...