Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalist Program

09/16/2026

🌱 Did you know fresh "baby" ginger can be grown successfully outdoors in Central Illinois and may be a profitable crop for small farmers?

Join us for the Fresh Ginger Twilight Talk on September 30, 5:30-6:30 PM at the Unity Community Center Garden in Normal, IL. Learn research-backed techniques for growing ginger outdoors, including pre-sprouting, container culture, irrigation, fertilizer trials, harvesting, and more. Plus, enjoy a ginger harvest demonstration, candied ginger, and ginger tea during Q&A!

🎟️ Space is limited, and a waitlist is expected. Register today: go.illinois.edu/FreshGingerTwlightTalk

09/09/2026

🍁🌳 Explore, Discover, and Connect at Nature Trails Day! 🌳🍁
Bring the whole family to Nature Trails Day at McLean County Parks at Comlara Park/Evergreen Lake for an exciting day of outdoor exploration and hands-on learning!
🦉 Meet a live Great Horned Owl
🎣 Try youth fishing
🥾 Explore nature trails
🔍 Dissect owl pellets
🌿 Discover Illinois plants and wildlife
Plus, for just $10 per family, you'll take home a hiking kit packed with tools to continue your outdoor adventures long after the event.
📅 September 19
📍COMLARA Park/Evergreen Lake
✅ Register today: go.illinois.edu/NatureTrailsDay2026

09/03/2026

Something good is brewing! ☕

Each week, University of Illinois Extension will be sharing fresh insights through our Healthy Minds, Strong Communities social media series. From practical mental wellness tips and stress-management strategies to helpful tools, resources, and everyday inspiration, we’re sharing simple ways to support a healthier mind and stronger community.

Join us as we explore small steps that can make a big difference in overall well-being.

✨ Look for weekly tips, resources, activities, and encouragement designed to help you thrive.

Always tune in to our page at ➡️ U of I Extension-Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties and our Instagram channel at ➡️ ilextension_LMW to follow along!

08/31/2026

What are people saying about Voice of the Wild?
• OMG now I know what type of birds are building a nest by my window!
• I love this series and the commentary on this video!
• These are amazing! Listening to all of the animal sounds with my kids and they are loving it!
If you're in your bird-watching era, this is the podcast for you! From crickets to crow calls and toads to tanagers, Voice of the Wild brings you the sounds of Illinois nature in a 2-minute format every week.
• Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/
• Subscribe for email updates: https://go.illinois.edu/SubscribeVoiceofWild

What are people saying about Voice of the Wild?
• OMG now I know what type of birds are building a nest by my window!
• I love this series and the commentary on this video!
• These are amazing! Listening to all of the animal sounds with my kids and they are loving it!

If you're in your bird-watching era, this is the podcast for you! From crickets to crow calls and toads to tanagers, Voice of the Wild brings you the sounds of Illinois nature in a 2-minute format every week.

• Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/
• Subscribe for email updates: https://go.illinois.edu/SubscribeVoiceofWild

08/31/2026

🍁🌿 Make memories outdoors at Nature Trails Day 2026! 🌿🍁

Gather the family and join us at McLean County Parks at Comlara Park/Evergreen Lake on September 19 for a day filled with adventure, discovery, and hands-on fun. Meet a live Great-horned Owl, try youth fishing, explore nature trails, dissect owl pellets, and learn about the plants and wildlife that call Illinois home.

🎒 Plus, for just $10 per family, you'll receive a take-home hiking kit to continue the adventure!

🦉🐟🍃 Register today: go.illinois.edu/NatureTrailsDay2026

08/29/2026

Join us for a hands-on pollinator-focused workshop! Master Gardeners will host Fall Gardening for Pollinators on Wednesday, September 16th, at 6 pm at the McLean County Extension office.🦋 Create your very own insect hotel to take home! Your $10 registration fee will include insect hotel materials and the presentation. Grow with Master Gardeners! Register at https://go.illinois.edu/FallGardeningPollinators.

08/28/2026

🌲 Ready to explore the great outdoors?

Join us for Nature Trails Day 2026 at COMLARA Park on September 19! From meeting a live owl and trying youth fishing to discovering native wildlife and exploring local trails, there's something for every nature lover in the family.

✨ Hands-on activities 🦉 Live Great-horned Owl 🐟 Youth fishing 🥾 Take-home hiking kit included with registration

Register now for just $10 per family: 👉 go.illinois.edu/NatureTrailsDay2026

08/27/2026

Grab some friends and have a fun evening with Master Gardeners! Fall Gardening for Pollinators will take place on Wednesday, September 16th at 6 pm at the McLean County Extension office.

This hands-on workshop will help you learn what fall garden clean-up practices can help support pollinator habitat throughout the year. For just $10, you can create and take home an insect hotel. Let’s support our pollinator friends! Register at https://go.illinois.edu/FallGardeningPollinators.

08/27/2026

🌿🍂 Looking for a fun family adventure? Join us for Nature Trails Day 2026 on September 19 at COMLARA Park! Explore trails, dissect owl pellets, learn about native plants and wildlife, try youth fishing, meet a live Great-horned Owl, and enjoy hands-on nature activities. For just $10 per family, you'll receive a take-home hiking kit! Register today and discover the outdoors with us. 🦉🐟🍃

Explore more at go.illinois.edu/NatureTrailsDay2026

08/20/2026

Have you ever wondered where birds go when the seasons change? Join us on November 7 from 2:00 to 3:45 p.m. at Humiston Woods for an afternoon of discovery, observation, and nature journaling!

Explore the Deer Loop Trail as you learn to observe the natural world more closely through words, sketches, and notes. You'll document bird behavior, ask questions about what you see, and dive into the fascinating world of migratory birds by studying a species up close and creating your own detailed species account.

✨ Perfect for curious minds ages 8 and up! 📓 Materials provided 🌦 If weather doesn't cooperate, we'll move indoors to the Educational Building at Humiston Woods

📍 Humiston Woods, 2100 North Road, Pontiac, Illinois

Register now at https://go.illinois.edu/NatureJournaling2026

Slow down, look closely, and connect with the wonders of the natural world. All you need to bring is a pencil-friendly hand and a sense of wonder! 🍁🦅✏️