Master Gardeners and gardening enthusiasts from across the state converged on East Peoria for the 2023 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference, held September 7-8. The conference was organized by Extension Master Gardeners and staff from Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties and offered a...
Farming is a way of life for many families, and it often involves the active participation of children and teenagers. While the experience of working on a farm can be invaluable for the development of responsibility, work ethic, and a strong connection to the land, it's essential to prioritize farm...
It is easy for University of Illinois Extension staff to see the amazing work Extension Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists do in and for the community. It is not always common knowledge for the public to know about all of the projects. Thanks to the work of two interns, 20 Extension Master...
By combining multiple programs into one event, University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Education staff have created a family-friendly event that quickly became a favorite activity for that youth and adults enjoyed together. PJs and Pancakes is just as it sounds...participants come dressed in their...
National 4-H Week is a time when 4-H members across the United States come together to showcase their passion for leadership, citizenship, community service, and all things 4-H. This annual event takes place in the first full week of October...
During the 2022 Mason County Fair, there was a health emergency that inspired 4-H members and volunteers into action. Thanks to the efforts led by Mason County Pleasant Workers 4-H Club and Kountry Kritters 4-H Club there are now two automated external defibrillators (AED) and nine new first aid...
Author: Carla Rich Montez, Illinois Extension Master Naturalist
It’s not easy to be a bluebird family. Aggressive birds discourage nesting; predators steal eggs and chicks; competing cavity nesters claim the boxes; insects attack featherless hatchlings. Even the weather...
Many small rural towns in Illinois are experiencing an economic downturn due to reasons beyond their control. One town, Havana, Illinois, is taking the bull by the horns to turn their community around economically. The local chamber of commerce and city...
Just because youth are growing up in the city doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in learning about or working with livestock. Peoria County 4-H volunteers have created several unique 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) clubs that invite youth out to the farm to experience first hand the challenges and...
Building strong relationships with partners in the community is crucial for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education) program. These relationships can lead to opportunities to provide additional nutrition programming, which will further the impact of SNAP-Education....
The “typical” yard can easily be improved to help reduce water run-off, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the soil, which ultimately improves the environment. The Conservation@Home (C@H) program was created by...
Knowing where your food comes from is vital information for anyone who consumes it. A general understanding of food systems gives people the ability to make informed decisions - in the polling booth, at the grocery store, and around the dinner table. However, not everyone, especially those living...
The need for education and support around youth mental health is an unfortunate reality. Statistics show mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors are rising among young people. This topic was a repeated area of concern addressed by both youth and adults during focus group discussions held by...
Staff from University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) have been collaborating on a multi-year project with community organizations to expand public access to health and wellness resources. The health...
Trying new things is not always easy, but the benefits often outweigh the initial discomfort. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development team in the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit created a new workshop series to...
University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers often spend time assisting partners with trail maintenance, invasive and aggressive plant removal, and restoration efforts in prairies and forested areas. At times, those tasks require some serious gear. A new crew of volunteers serving...
With close to 300 members and 16 clubs in the Fulton 4-H program, it is the largest local 4-H program and continues to grow. To keep up with the demands, University of Illinois Extension has expanded the Fulton 4-H team and hired...
The arrival of spring brings a renewed interest in gardening, but many first-time gardeners may be unsure where to start. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) from Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties share...
