Master Gardeners Blogs | Illinois Extension

Peoria Friendship House garden grows more than food

September 9, 2026

The Peoria Friendship House Community Garden is cultivating more than vegetables. Through a partnership with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, students are gaining...

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Using forestry tools was the core lesson at recent Extension workshop

August 13, 2026

Extension Snapshots

Every tree has a story to tell, you just need the right tools to read it. Those stories are written in tree rings, hidden in their height, and tucked away in details most of us walk right past.During Forestry Skills 101: Using Forestry Tools, 13 participants plus four Extension staff got to step...

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Tree pruning workshop took root beyond the orchard

August 13, 2026

Extension Snapshots

A Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension continues to produce results months after participants left Christ Orchard in Elmwood. Twenty-one people attended the February 2026 program to learn how proper pruning can improve tree health, structure, and fruit production....

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Master Gardeners invest in accessible gardens at local nursing home

June 16, 2026

Extension Snapshots

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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Herb garden becomes teaching tool and culinary resource

April 16, 2026

Extension Snapshots

In 2025, a new herb garden, planted through a partnership between University of Illinois Extension and the Fulton County Farm Bureau, became the foundation for interactive learning experiences. More than 95 participants explored how herbs can enhance everyday life, from cooking to creative...

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Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists start 4–H SPIN Clubs in Tazewell County

November 18, 2025

Extension Snapshots

This spring, Tazewell County 4-H welcomed two new Special Interest (SPIN) Clubs. The Junior Master Gardener SPIN Club was led by Master Gardeners, Trudy Yazujian, Janine Donahue, and Ellen Denler while the Junior Master Naturalist SPIN club was led by Master Naturalist Brittany Chambers. Both clubs...

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Conservation@Home inspires action across Central Illinois

November 18, 2025

Extension Snapshots

University of Illinois Extension deepened its commitment to local conservation through a year of engaging, community-rooted Conservation@Home programming across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. The initiative encouraged residents to take simple...

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Golden Garden Day—West Central Celebration, 50 Years of Extension Master Gardener Impact

September 22, 2025

Extension Snapshots

In 2025, the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of impact. Five regional events invited people from all over Illinois to join in looking back at the Extension Master Gardener program and how it has grown since 1975. Extension staff and volunteers from the Fulton-Mason-...

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Garden of Hope and SNAP-Ed work together on health and gardening classes

September 22, 2025

Extension Snapshots

Gardening is an excellent activity to do for one’s health. It combines healthy nutritious food, with outdoor activity. When you add those to a lovely, peaceful environment you have a recipe for success. University of Illinois Extension’s ...

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Horticulture team adds program coordinator to support growing program

July 10, 2025

Extension Snapshots

Ainsley Olsen is the newest member of the University of Illinois Extension horticulture team serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. With the growing Master Gardener program, demand for horticulture education, and the addition of the Conservation@Home program it became critical to...

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