Volunteers Blogs | Illinois Extension

Master Gardeners invest in accessible gardens at local nursing home

June 16, 2026

When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home, she saw more than landscaping. She saw an opportunity to create meaningful moments of connection for individuals who often have limited...

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Group of people outdoors, listening to two people standing and talking

Master Naturalists launch new Accessible Nature Exploration program

March 24, 2025

Extension Snapshots

After years of leading active nature groups, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists Peggy West and Jen McDaniel suddenly found themselves unable to keep up with fast-paced groups. So they started a different kind...

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Mike McGraw in a prairie next to an oak tree sapling

Master Naturalists partner with The Nature Conservancy to survey and assess newly planted trees

February 14, 2024

Extension Snapshots

Protecting and restoring Illinois' natural landscapes is a team effort, and the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are proud to be part of the winning squad. In the spring of 2022,...

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Peggy West standing next to her display at Peoria Art Guild

Extension Master Naturalist Spotlight: Peggy West

May 24, 2022

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...

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students and instructor on an archery range

Teaching strategies of a 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer: goal setting, skill instruction, encouragement, and fun

December 8, 2021

The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program relies heavily on adult volunteers to take the lead in teaching the disciplines and management of the local clubs. It is the volunteers who ultimately make the county program successful...

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Master Naturalist Pam Tomka inspires others to enjoy nature through her grant writing skills

July 8, 2021

The opportunities are vast when it comes to inspiring others to enjoy nature. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) Pam Tomka uses her grant writing skills to help ...

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4-H volunteers Crista Hartstirn and Nancy Williams play integral role in successful programs

April 8, 2020

Volunteers are the backbone of the 4-H program. Each year, University of Illinois Extension Fulton County 4-H selects two 4-H volunteers to recognize for their outstanding volunteer efforts. This year Crista Hartstirn of Fairview was honored as Fulton County 4-H Leader of the Year and Nancy...

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