Blog Archive | Illinois Extension | Illinois

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

Woman smiling at a gardening conference

Gardeners flock to 2023 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference

December 13, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Instructor teaching students about farm safety

Tazewell County 4-H members learn safety skills during a club-wide Farm Safety Night

December 13, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Gardening volunteers standing by a pollinator garden

Project spotlight videos created to educate and engage with Master Volunteer projects in the community

November 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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youth smiling, holding a plate of pancakes

Tazewell SNAP-Ed program creates special PJs & Pancakes event aimed to reach both youth and adults

November 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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4-H youth shows ribbon with project

4-H members help promote an organization they believe in during National 4-H Week

November 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Picture of a defibrillator and first aid kit

4-H generosity brings life-saving equipment and first aid to county fairgrounds and 4-H events

October 6, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Children on a nature hike with teacher

Jr. Master Naturalist 4-H club offers fun, education, and adventure

October 6, 2023

Extension Snapshots

For the past twelve years, adults in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties have been engaged in local natural resource education and volunteer efforts in the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) program...

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Hungry baby bluebirds open their mouths for food

Extension Master Naturalists give nature a hand with bluebird monitoring

October 6, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Participants learn how to make a floral arrangement

Gardeners’ BIG Day continues long-standing tradition of high quality horticulture education

September 18, 2023

Extension Snapshots

For the past 23 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) have coordinated a day-long conference called Gardeners’ BIG Day (GBD). This year, EMGs from...

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Photo of Main Street in Havana, IL

Havana benefits from Illinois Rural Tourism research

September 15, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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4-H youth with her sheep at the livestock show

Livestock focused 4-H clubs offer youth unique learning opportunities

September 15, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Extension SNAP-Ed coordinator

Strong SNAP-Ed partnerships lead to increased impact

August 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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....

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Extension volunteers at a training session in a home garden

U of I Extension brings Conservation@Home program to West Central Illinois

August 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Extension Educator with students at a farm with animals

4-H Embryology in the Classroom program helps students learn about food systems and STEM

August 9, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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People gathered around a table, having a conversation

Youth Wellness Workshop provides direct education to address growing concern for youth mental health

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Focus groups help identify and address needs related to health equity

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Children watching a cooking demonstration

New Clovers Around the Counties 4-H workshop series opened doors to topics, friendships, and new places

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Workshop participants watch chainsaw demonstration

Forestry specialist provides chainsaw safety education to local volunteers and park district staff

July 11, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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Rachel Van Cleve joins growing Fulton 4-H program

June 7, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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2000 plants for sale displayed in Master Gardener's driveway

Extension Master Gardeners host plant sales to share gardening expertise and locally grown plants

June 7, 2023

Extension Snapshots

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...

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

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1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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