Homelessness is an increasing societal issue in every community in America today. Pekin is no exception to it either. The Pekin Downtown Main Street Merchants Association reached out to University of Illinois Extension for help in...
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers in the environmental sciences were included in Bradley University's Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) classes thanks to University of Illinois Extension horticulture and natural resources staff and...
The 4-H Cloverbud program, designed for youth ages 5 to 7, is an important first step for young children to explore the world of 4-H and set the foundation for future involvement. Through a variety of hands-on activities and age-appropriate projects, Cloverbuds build relationships with their peers...
The agriculture industry continues to change rapidly, impacting everyone from the producers to the industry professionals to the food consumers. University of Illinois Extension is growing its team of commercial agriculture educators to provide research-based, unbiased information to landowners,...
There is something special about small, neighborhood grocery stores. The staff get to know their customers and can better meet their needs. The city of West Peoria is proud of their strong community support where families have lived for...
Living in rural America, people tend to have a general idea of the accidents that can happen on the farm. Thanks to the annual Farm Safety Day, 160 youth have a better understanding of how to stay safe on the farm, in their homes, and in their communities. “Safety awareness, in general, for...
When certain plants get established in an ecosystem they can choke out the more beneficial native plants. Left unchecked, those invasive species can destroy the native ecosystem and natural beauty. Local volunteers have a passion for eradicating invasive plants and thanks to their expertise, time,...
Drone technology is increasing in its applicability in improving farm operations. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit Farm Management Educator Kevin Brooks uses drones to assist local farmers...
Hands-on workshops are a great way to cultivate new skills, hobbies, and sometimes future careers. Hodgson’s Produce and Greenhouse operators shared their expertise as local...
It's been said that "The only reason to give a speech is to change the world." Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) and Master Naturalists (EMN) are seeking to change their world one speaking engagement at a time through Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell ...
Collaborating across county lines and program areas has been a key to success for University of Illinois Extension programming, especially with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed). As the SNAP-Ed program continues to evolve and grow, staff have been able to work...
People can turn on the local news, scroll through social media, or turn on their favorite food-focused television channel in order to “learn” how to cook. But none of those compare to hands-on, in-person cooking lessons. Local University of...
Fresh, local produce will be easier to access in the Havana community soon thanks to a new community garden project based at Mission of Hope. This garden’s purpose is to help feed neighbors in the Havana area. A group comprised of University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Education staff, horticulture...
Education isn’t just in a text book, in a classroom, or on a Zoom call. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners enjoy taking educational hikes and learning about the history of the natural areas around them. The educational hikes with local experts help fulfill the...
There aren’t many careers that allow for people to use their swine showing skills, equestrian experience, and enjoyment of crocheting and growing houseplants all in the same role. Thankfully, Abbie Philips has found the perfect career for her with the Tazewell 4-H program. Abbie is the new...
Maddy Lettow, a seasoned eight-year member of the Fulton County Logan Leaders 4-H Club, was selected to attend the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit brought together 1,300 young minds from across the nation...
