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...

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 ...

Continuing education programs have been a foundational part of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteer...

The new Illinois Pollinator website is raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and equipping users with the knowledge and tools to make a difference in pollinator population support. By providing user-friendly tools and evidence-based...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the past year, three new educators have joined the University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit team. This new team of six worked together recently to showcase the expanded programs and knowledge base they offer locally to help make people and communities better. The 5-...

Community focused, teamwork, and productive are words that Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) use to describe their Sow to Grow Garden project. This project started out growing fruits and vegetables in a giving garden at Glendale...

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...

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...

There is no better place to learn more about gardening than in the garden. A beautiful day in mid-September found more than 350 people exploring the gardens, visiting with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, and...

For many years, University of Illinois Extension has utilized social media to share educational content. Last year, the state horticulture team started the Illinois Extension Horticulture Group on Facebook that has taken this approach to the next level. Extension educators across the state...

When Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon requested assistance with renovating their landscaping, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) Carla Presnell, Allie Goudy, and Lisa Davis stepped in to help and brought their knowledge of native plants with them. The team created a native...

Horticulture has been a part of Tara Heath’s life since she was a little girl. After a 20 year career focused on landscape management, Tara has joined the University of Illinois Extension team as the horticulture program coordinator...

Many Illinoisans enjoy adventures in the woods in search of mushrooms, typically in the spring. Participants in the recent Mushrooms of Illinois webinar, or those who watched the recording, learned from Dr. Andrew Miller that mushroom hunting can be done year-round. The University of Illinois...

Nicole began her career with University of Illinois Extension in 2019. “As an agriculture and natural resources educator, I help provide information about growing plants and natural resources.  Trainings, answering homeowner questions, and supporting master volunteers are all ways that I can...

University of Illinois Extension staff from horticulture, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed), and 4-H teamed up to provide training to teachers, administrators, parents, and master volunteers with the goal to help them understand how to start and maintain a school garden...

The nationwide Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program began in 1972 when the Washington State Horticulturalist recruited and trained volunteers to help him answer the high volume of calls from the public about gardening. From there the program expanded in scope and grew across the country, but...

Eight University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener (EMG) trainees in the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit showed up on two chilly days in March at the Peoria Zoo as part of a new approach to official EMG training. It was the beginning of an 18-hour long volunteer skills training program. A...

Four Seasons Gardening Webinar has been an important state-wide program offered by University of Illinois Extension for over two decades. Using technology, Extension horticulture educators are able to teach current horticultural information to a broad audience in Illinois and beyond. Nicole Flowers...

Highly trained Master Gardeners from University of Illinois Extension serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties enhance local communities and bring horticultural awareness and knowledge to hundreds of area residents. In recognition of this impact, a team of Extension Master Gardeners,...

Within a matter of days, the compost workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit filled to capacity. Composting is a “hot-topic” literally and figuratively. Duane Friend, Extension energy and environmental educator, along with Dr. Paul Walker, retired...

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, of East Peoria, has joined the team as the new horticulture educator. Her new role will include a wide range of horticulture programs, educational resources, and overseeing the unit...

The work being done through University of Illinois Extension programs and partnerships in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties is recognized for its positive impact at many levels through the University system. College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) dean,...

The 156 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (MGs) who live in communities across the four counties of our unit are not waiting for the warm weather to arrive to begin their gardening activity. Planning meetings, new project proposals, educational opportunities, and special events are...