Maria Lightner, University of Illinois Extension, Author at Heartland Newsfeed
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Maria Lightner, University of Illinois Extension

13 Results / Page 1 of 2

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Macon County Master Gardeners
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Macon County

Macon County Master Gardeners receive state award

DECATUR -- University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers share a mission: “help others learn to grow.” Through educational programs and events, these volunteers inspire people of all ages to develop gardening skills, explore the natural world, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of nature. Six Macon County Master Gardeners would recently earn recognition for their outstanding efforts with a state award presented at the annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Rockford. Toni Griffin, Angie Hollingsworth, Carla Pohl, Karen Tappendorf, Angie […]

todaySeptember 25, 2026

Monarch Madness
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Macon County

Monarch Madness connects families with nature, pollinators

DECATUR -- Experience the excitement of tagging and releasing monarch butterflies as they begin their remarkable migration to Mexico at Monarch Madness. Monarch Madness is a free community event from the University of Illinois Extension. Co-sponsoring the event is the Macon County Conservation District. Monarch Madness will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane in Decatur. This all-ages event will feature pollinator-themed arts and crafts, butterfly yoga, a monarch life […]

todaySeptember 8, 2026

Master Gardener
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DeWitt County

Illinois Extension accepting applications for fall Master Gardener program

CLINTON — Gardeners looking to expand their skills and make a meaningful impact in their communities are invited to apply for the Fall 2026 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Training Program.  Master Gardener training will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 8 through Nov. 24. at the DeWitt County Extension office, 1160 IL 54, Suite B, in Clinton. This adaptive model enables participants to incorporate the online coursework into their busy schedules while also attending […]

todayAugust 3, 2026

certified food protection managers class exam Illinois Extension
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Macon County

Multilingual food safety training supports local workforce

DECATUR -- The University of Illinois Extension is offering a free, multilingual Certified Food Protection Manager training. The training offering is to further its commitment to supporting workforce development and expanding access to food safety education. The multi-session course will start with the first session on July 28 and 30. A second session will take place with dates set for August 4, 6, and 11. All sessions will be at Richland Community College in room SC01. The times will be […]

todayJuly 1, 2026

Illinois Extension diabetes
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Macon County

Illinois Extension offers diabetes nutrition series

DECATUR -- Understanding how food affects blood sugar is a powerful tool for anyone managing diabetes. The University of Illinois Extension will offer a free educational series designed to help individuals strengthen their nutrition knowledge, build practical skills, and feel more confident in day-to-day diabetes care. Each session will include recipe demonstrations and food samples. Motivation Monday sessions will be from 11 a.m. to noon at the Decatur Family YMCA, 220 W. McKinley Ave.  Sessions are open to YMCA members and […]

todayFebruary 27, 2026

4-H
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East Central Illinois Region

4-H public speaking contest recognizes youth communication skills

DECATUR — The State 4-H Public Speaking contest, held at Parkland College on April 29, showcased the communication skills of 145 youth from 68 counties. Several local 4-H members advanced to the state 4-H Public Speaking Contest after competing at the DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H Public Speaking Contest.  Phoebe Craft from DeWitt County and Kennedy Rusk from Macon County competed in the Individual Oral Interpretation category. Oral Interpretation presentations must be previously published works or manuscripts such as short […]

todayMay 22, 2024

cicada cicadas
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East Central Illinois Region

Will the 2024 cicada invasion affect me?

DECATUR — This year, not one but two periodical broods - the 13-year Brood XIX cicada and the 17-year Brood XIII cicada - will emerge. But, what does this mean for Central Illinois? The 13-year Brood XIX has been quietly feeding on tree roots for over a decade and will soon make their grand entrance. These cicadas will emerge along the Sangamon River and its major streams stretching from Riverton eastward to north of Fisher, Illinois. Decatur's east and south […]

todayMay 7, 2024

Macon 4-H
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East Central Illinois Region

Macon County 4-H members recognized for career achievements

DECATUR — Each spring, outstanding youth across Illinois are recognized for their career achievements in 4-H. This year, two Macon County 4-H members received State Experience Awards, and one Macon County 4-H member was one of forty-five youth who received a State 4-H Award with a $1000 scholarship.  Elizabeth Cornett, a member of the 4-H SCREAM robotics club, received the Emerald Clover Award in the area of Project Learning. This award recognizes youth who completed eight or more experiences in one […]

todayApril 11, 2024

Illinois Extension Macon DeWitt Piatt
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DeWitt County

DeWitt County Coalition connects local service agencies

CLINTON — The DeWitt County Coalition, a network of local social service agencies, is excited to announce the return of in-person meetings after a period of virtual gatherings.  DeWitt County Coalition will meet from noon to 1 p.m. on April 10 at the DeWitt County Extension Office, 8425 Katie Rd., in Clinton. The virtual option will continue to be available for participants unable to attend in person. Area social service agencies serving DeWitt County residents make up the coalition, which […]

todayApril 9, 2024

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