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Environment Blogs

Nipper Wildlife Refuge

Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary: A local nature classroom

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By Roberta Clifton, Extension Master Naturalist, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and TazewellOff the beaten path, but only 30 minutes from our capital city of Springfield, in Loami, Illinois, is a wonderful place I found in 2015. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature stop that offers everything from...
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Meg Ray

Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray

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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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birds in the snow

Top 10 pursuits to fall in love with winter

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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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Local OPAL logo

Celebrating 5 years of Local OPAL website

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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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American Badger out in the wild

In search of the American badger

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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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Jnnifer Bass and Nancy holding Conservation at Home sign

Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Jennifer Bass

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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