University of Illinois Extension Fulton Mason Peoria Tazewell Unit

A strong network of youth-serving organizations can make a lasting difference for young people and families. In Peoria, the collaborative Peoria Afterschool Networking Group is doing just that by bringing together out-of-school-time agencies to connect, share ideas, and strengthen programming opportunities for youth across the community.

Peoria Afterschool Networking Group brings together community agencies to support local youth and families A strong network of youth-serving organizations can make a lasting difference for young people and families.

Well, the rain over the weekend was great for the crops, but not so good for our phone lines. The office in Peoria County is without the regular office landline until further notice. However, you can reach the staff in the Peoria office through email, their direct Teams phone number, or by calling our office in Tazewell and they will pass on a message for staff to call you back. 309-347-6614.

The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day of research-focused learning. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with ICC on January 12, the event provided practical strategies to help producers improve farm decision-making in the year ahead.

Peoria Agronomy Summit brings research-driven insights to Central Illinois farmers The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day

When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home, she saw more than landscaping. She saw an opportunity to create meaningful moments of connection for individuals who often have limited access to nature. With support from other Extension Master Gardeners, Vic has transformed the grounds into a series of therapeutic garden spaces designed to meet residents’ physical and emotional needs.

Master Gardeners invest in accessible gardens at local nursing home When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home

Our Kitchen Science videos may be just what you need for a rainy summer day. Touch in the Kitchen is one of five videos in the series.

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Save the date 📅
Sept 26, 2026 - Tri-County Hunger Walk

Registration to come next month- help spread the word and take steps to end hunger here locally!

📅 Save the Date!
The 2026 Tri-County Hunger Walk will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9-11 AM at Donovan Park in Peoria! Visit https://healthyhoi.org/page-1075488 for all of the details!

Just as 4-H has many project areas and ways for members to flourish, the new Mason County 4-H coordinator has had unique experiences that will bring a fresh perspective to Mason County 4-H. Alicia Sandidge of Chandlerville, joined the University of Illinois Extension staff in early May.

Alicia Sandidge hired as new Mason 4-H coordinator Just as 4-H has many project areas and ways for members to flourish, the new Mason County 4-H coordinator has had unique experiences that will bring a fresh perspective

Check out this opportunity for some free meals for kids this summer!

The Partnership for a Healthy Community is proud to offer Sun Meals To-Go to ALL children ages 1-18 throughout the summer. The program offers 14 free shelf-stable meals per child per week. Families need to register and choose a pick-up location that suits their needs. Pick-up locations are available in Green Valley in Tazewell County and Eureka and Spring Bay in Woodford County. Other pick-up sites are open in Morgan and Putnam counties as well. Participants do not need to reside in these counties to be eligible.

Registration for all locations can be found here: https://bit.ly/sun-meals-illinois

The future of housing in Illinois starts with you. The Illinois Housing Blueprint is a statewide plan that looks at housing needs,
affordability, and availability across communities. Your input helps shape what comes next.
The survey is anonymous and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Share your input at https://ilhousingblueprint.org/.