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Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray

May 29, 2026

By Sarah Smith, Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master NaturalistUtilizing the 2025 Conservation@Home Kickoff event at Pleasant Prairie Nursery as a catalyst, Meg Ray has quickly gained momentum in her C@H journey. Almost immediately following the event, she had her yard certified,...

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a bird getting ready to eat from a frozen bird seed wreathe

Choose the right feeder and seed for birds in the winter

February 2, 2026

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By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Conservation@Home member serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesOn Sundays, when the grand kids arrive, they often check whether the bird feeders are full and hurry to fill them with seed for our feathered...

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Top 10 pursuits to fall in love with winter

October 23, 2025

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By Jill Meints, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties1. RestJust like with our gardens & plants, it can be our season of REST! Read on for ideas on how to embrace the season! 2. Clean out your pantry and organize it. You may have things...

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Celebrating 5 years of Local OPAL website

May 2, 2025

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By Julie Robinson, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell countiesIt is hard to believe that 2025 finds Local OPAL’s (Local Outdoor Playing and Learning) website celebrating its fifth birthday. What began as a mere (and somewhat crazy) idea during 2018...

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In search of the American badger

June 6, 2024

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By Carla Rich Montez, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIt’s not easy to examine the life of an animal that is secretive, solitary and nocturnal.Just ask any scientist who has attempted to study the American badger. In fact, details about its...

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group of people in the woods along a stream

Join the fight against invasive species in America's wild places with Wild Spotter

May 21, 2024

ILRiverHort

Invasive Species   Invasive species refer to any harmful non-native plant, animal, or organism that can negatively impact the environment, economy, and human or animal health. These species can be found in both aquatic and terrestrial areas. Each reproductive part of an invasive species,...

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Simple steps to help prevent the spread of invasive species 

May 8, 2024

ILRiverHort

There are a few simple steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Avoid moving soil or debris from one area to another. When engaging in fishing, hiking, hunting, or camping activities, ensure that your clothes, footwear, and equipment are free of soil and debris before entering...

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Jnnifer Bass and Nancy holding Conservation at Home sign

Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Jennifer Bass

May 1, 2024

By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties“It Seemed the Natural Thing to Do!”When I was growing up, I lived on a farm with a large yard and two wonderful timbers. My mother had many flower beds with some natives...

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tree with sunshine coming through the leaves

Branching Out: Launch your book journey into the world of trees

February 21, 2024

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Are you curious about trees, their hidden stories, their ecological significance, and how they shape our world? If so, join us as we start our 2024 book study. We're excited to announce a deep dive into the world of trees through a reading series. This journey will take us through six...

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raised bed with flowers and vegetables growing together

New Hardiness Zone Map changed some of our local zones

February 13, 2024

ILRiverHort

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been updated to reflect temperature data collected over the last 30 years. This new map version used GIS technology and input from climate, botanical, and horticulture experts to create hardiness zones on a much finer scale.  Updated to Zone 6A Locally, the...

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