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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

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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Ellen Denler standing next to her Conservation at Home sign

Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Ellen and John Denler

February 1, 2024

By Ellen Denler, Extension Master Gardener, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesMy husband John and I live in the house in which I grew up. The original part of the house was built in 1878 and has had five generations of my family living here. Located on a corner lot (105' X 55') in...

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Start saving your seeds today!

December 20, 2022

ILRiverHort

Getting Started with Seed Saving If you find the perfect tasting tomato, harvesting and saving the seed will ensure you can have that tomato again next season. The seed stores the genetic information for a new plant. With a bit of practice and patience, you can have the seeds of your favorite...

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Make your plants part of your family: Indoor kitchen gardens

November 10, 2022

ILRiverHort

Growing food is not limited to outdoors in the summer. With some planning, you can grow food indoors throughout the year. Make a plan Before starting your indoor kitchen garden, it is essential to think about what you want to gain by growing food indoors. You might wish to have herbs to give...

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Protect pollinators: Avoid neonicotinoids insecticides

April 12, 2022

ILRiverHort

By Laura Bradshaw, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties The topic of the importance of pollinators is becoming more and more common. People are realizing the importance and taking action such as providing pollinator friendly plants and habitat....

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Save wetlands, use peat-free potting mixtures

September 29, 2021

Peat wetlands are delicate ecosystems that take thousands of years to form. Peat accumulates at a rate of about 1 millimeter per year. When the peat moss industry harvests 22 centimeters per year, it is easy to see why there is a concern for its sustainability. Many rare plants and animals...

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Want to help wildlife in Illinois? Protect their habitat

September 7, 2021

By Carla Rich Montez, Extension Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” Aldo Leopold, A Sand...

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Adding more blooms to your garden invites more birds

July 11, 2021

ILRiverHort

By Jeff and Nancy Staecker, Extension Master Naturalists serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties Over the last 20 years we’ve lost billions of birds – birds that are both beautiful and play critical roles in the environment… such as eating pests. We do not know all the complex...

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Grow your own vegetables to benefit your health and the environment

August 3, 2020

There are many reasons to grow your vegetables, including health benefits, better flavor, and environmental protection. The health benefits are exponential with the combination of nutrients, sunshine, and exercise gained through vegetable gardening. Studies show that those who garden are more...

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