Illinois Extension, Year In Review 2021

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell Counties

Unit at a Glance The People Staff

Volunteers

Partners

35

761

354

Programs

Media

44% by Staff 56% by Volunteers

news releases, newsletters, TV, radio

The Methods Websites

40,800

43,600

social media, blogs, and website reach

209

The Strategy The Locations TAZEWELL MAIN OFFICE 1505 Valle Vista Blvd Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-6614 FULTON BRANCH 15411 N IL 100 Hwy Lewistown, IL 61542 309-547-3711 MASON BRANCH 127 S High St, Ste 1 Havana, IL 62644 309-543-3308 PEORIA BRANCH 4810 N Sheridan Rd Peoria, IL 61614 309-685-3140 Email

uie-fmpt@illinois.edu Website

extension.illinois.edu/fmpt Facebook

@UniversityofIllinoisExtFulton MasonPeoriaTazewell

Guiding Principle Making people and communities better.

Mission To extend research-based information, technology, and best practices from the university arena into public and private arenas in order to strengthen local communities and improve people’s lives.

Vision To adapt research-based knowledge into accessible forms so that every person we serve will experience and recognize a positive impact from our work.

Process Direct Education Facilitated Engagement

Experiential Learning Collaborative Outreach

Scope Agriculture Nutrition & Wellness Horticulture 4-H Youth Development Natural Resources Community & Economic Dev.

Financial Report REVENUES Federal State University Local Other

2 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

$2.3 Million 36.5% 15.1% 18.8% 21.8% 7.8%

EXPENDITURES Personnel Programming Equipment Overhead

$2.3 Million 75.4% 11.9% 0.3% 12.5% Fiscal Year 2022

Master Naturalist Adventures

at Bellrose Island, Havana

Photo by Anita Wilkinson

A Message from the County Director

Earl Allen County Director

This past year has felt like we have been riding a rope swing with a lot of back and forth, up and down, and even some going in circles.

Even so, our staff in collaboration with our many volunteers and partners have continued to do impactful work that addressed local needs, made our communities stronger, and improved the lives of people across our unit. The efforts required a lot of resilience and a growth mindset, but in the end, joy and satisfaction were found in our accomplishments.

help and collaboration.

an early retirement incentive triggering I also give additional seven retirements from thanks to our program our group of 35 staff. participants who have Cumulatively these gained and applied seven staff contributed new knowledge and more than 200 years of practices as a result of our direct education and work in Extension and served the public well. experiential learning efforts. You are the reason Congratulations to Janis Blout, Sheila Bolliger, we exist, and the people we are called to serve as a Kathie Brown, Margaret Cover, Deb Donaldson, part of U of I Extension.

Irene Edwards, and Cathy This report highlights a Ludolph. May the next small portion of our work. chapter in their lives bring The stories are curated them as much joy as to demonstrate our they each found in their appreciation for all, and years working for U of I to inform you of some Extension. things of which you were With appreciation and unaware.

Thank you to all who gratitude to all, In closing, I want to have worked with us in recognize a great group 2021, and to those who of staff from our unit have supported us. We cannot accomplish nearly who retired this past Earl Allen year. U of I offered as much without your County Director 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 3

Nutrition and Health

MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

Starting in late Spring of 2020, Food Pantry Network - HOI partnered with Midwest Food Bank and Peoria Area Food Bank to redirect food available through the USDA Farmers to Food Box program. SNAP-Ed staff worked with local partners to identify communities with a gap in available food and coordinate distribution. In addition to Farmers to Food Box, families were given extra items such as milk, food from the food bank, and produce and food staples purchased by HEAL-FSP. In 2021 the following was distributed: • Total pounds of food distributed: 93,444 • Total boxes, backpack meals distributed: 4,059 FOOD PANTRY NETWORK VOLUNTEERS The Food Pantry Network - HOI regularly receives requests for onetime emergent food deliveries for people who cannot make it to the food pantry. Along with Tazewell County Health Department, SNAP-Ed staff worked with the local Heart of Illinois United Way to utilize their Volunteer Platform to help address this need.

Volunteers from organizations such as Bradley University, Methodist College of Nursing, and Caterpillar have been able to help fill needs with deliveries as well as at the food pantries. Over the past year we have matched 23 people to volunteer opportunities at Pekin Outreach Center, Love In Action (Chillicothe), Neighborhood House (Peoria), St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Peoria), and Heart of Illinois Harvest.

HEALTHY FOOD INVENTORY SURVEY Finding healthy options when shopping on a budget can be challenging.

A local coalition, Healthy Eating Active Living– Food System Partners wanted to better understand the needs of food pantry guests. A survey of pantry guests and volunteers garnered insights on their cultural and nutritional needs and food preferences. Both groups expressed the need for lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The survey also helped provide a better understanding of resources local food banks and pantries can offer. In turn, the coalition provided training and infrastructure to support pantries and their ability to offer healthier food options.

• Surveyed 586 pantry guests, managers, and volunteers • Trained 100 pantry managers and volunteers

Photo taken in2019

12 DAYS OF GIVING CAMPAIGN This year marks the second 12 Days of Giving campaign. The goal is to encourage donations of items requested the most by pantries: healthy, shelf-stable food, hygiene products, and winter attire. It also educates the general public on the importance of healthy food donations.

“Food pantries tend to get a lot of the same types of donations that are not always the healthiest options,” mentioned Rebecca Crumrine, SNAP-Ed program coordinator. “We know how beneficial things like spices, household supplies, low-sodium soups, and unsweetened applesauce are to families. We would like to help donors think about healthier options when purchasing food pantry donation items.”

4 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

Stronger Charitable Food System

through policy, systems, and environment changes Photo by Kaitlyn Streitmatter

SNAP-Education team works to improve access to healthy food Knowing you need to eat healthy food and having access to healthy food are two different things.

The SNAP-Ed team works hard to address both issues.

In addition to the long held tradition of nutrition education to youth and adults, Kaitlyn Streitmatter, SNAP-Ed educator, and Rebecca Crumrine, SNAPEd program coordinator, work with partners throughout the charitable food system to look at improvements that can be made to policies, systems, and the pantry environment that will clear away road blocks to healthy eating. This work is accomplished in a variety of ways and through a variety of teams. Kaitlyn and Rebecca are currently involved with 23 coalitions, and they play lead roles in 11 of them.

HEAL-FSP Healthy Eating Active Living - Food Systems Partners is an initiative that brings together existing food system programs to increase

food access, advance community education, and create agricultural and community development opportunities. It was started with a Community Foundation of Central Illinois Ending Hunger Together Grant. The list of 20 stakeholders includes local hospitals, health departments, food banks, and community organizations.

Food Pantry Network - HOI The mission of the Food Pantry Network - Heart of Illinois is to support, connect, and provide resources to those working within the charitable food system. It was created to bring together those working in charitable food and is led by SNAP-Education and Tazewell County Health Department.

Through meetings, a private Facebook group, and Google Group and Listserv, 241 members are able to work together to share extra supplies, ask for specific needs, and provide education and support that is not possible

working alone.

“Being a part of the Food Pantry Network is like being part of a larger family that reaches out to share the gifts, challenges, and opportunities God gives us. It is good to know that not only are we not alone in this journey, but together we are strong, lifting each other up to help our neighbors in need,” stated Dan Philips, FUMC Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.

Policy, Systems, Environment Stats 211,000 reach from site activities 65 partners 23 total coalitions 123 unique community partners 11 SNAP-Ed plays lead role 16 grants 15 professional development opportunities 273 participants 7 donations received for partners

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 5

SNAP-ED & EFNEP DIRECT EDUCATION STATS

2,009

Participants 446 EFNEP 61% youth 39% adults 1,563 SNAP-Ed 70% youth 30% adults

HEALTHY CENTS FOOD DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS

64

Partners 15 EFNEP 49 SNAP-Ed

“We notice the participants are really engaged in Krista’s demonstration videos,” mentioned Rebecca Crumrine, SNAP-Ed coordinator. “One class broke into spontaneous applause after her pumpkin bread video.”

Race White Black Other

EFNEP 45% 49% 6%

The food demonstration videos Krista Gray created for the SNAPEducation team are more popular than expected. The collection of ten videos are used by the whole team during Healthy Cents lessons for adults. Krista walks the viewers through Healthy Cents recipes such as fruit dip, chicken corn chowder, and homemade hummus using easy-tofind ingredients and basic cooking utensils.

SNAP-Ed 56% 43% 1%

Ethnicity Identified as Hispanic 13% EFNEP 3% SNAP-Ed

The videos provide another learning style, as well as fit into time and space limitations of the current teaching environment.

COMMUNITY GARDEN NETWORK As part of the initiative to offer more healthy foods to food pantry guests, Community Garden Network was created with the local coalition HEAL-Food System Partners. It works closely with Food Pantry Network to share extra produce.

SNAP-Ed staff created educational signs to encourage more consumption of fresh produce.

SPANISH PROGRAMS AT FRIENDSHIP HOUSE Angela Jimenez and Mari Lopez taught Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) classes at Friendship House in Peoria. The duo are fluent in Spanish and English and teach to participants whose first language is Spanish.

“Some of our class members do not know any English,” mentioned Angela. “We teach lessons about healthy living and exercise with them.”

The EFNEP program offered two classes at Friendship House, one for mothers and a second for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Through hands-on classes that focus on improving eating habits and physical activity, EFNEP makes a difference in the people served.

6 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

FRESH FOOD DRIVES With the help of Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD) 17 fresh food drives were held during Hunger Action Month (HAM). Emily Waite, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry manager in Peoria, sent Parkside Fitness in Pekin, a thank you for the donation of fresh fruits and vegetables. By offering produce, pantries can promote health and help guests manage diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The HAM campaign is just one effort of the Food Pantry Network - HOI. Through the network, Extension SNAP-Ed staff work alongside TCHD and partners from the area food banks and food pantries to support and enhance the local charitable food system.

Photo by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Hunger Action Month brings awareness, nutritious foods, and support for local charitable food system September is deemed as Hunger Action Month® (HAM) by Feeding America in an effort to mobilize action around hunger nationally. One in ten of our neighbors in Illinois struggle with hunger every day, according to Feeding America. In an effort to bring recognition and awareness to the issue of hunger and food insecurity within our local communities, the Food Pantry Network – Heart of Illinois (HOI) recognized September as Hunger Action Month.

Online Campaign As part of the month, Food Pantry Network – HOI utilized local data from the Community Health Needs Assessment, food pantry survey, and other national data points to create daily social media posts aimed at raising awareness. Additional posts highlighted work that local organizations are doing to address hunger and food insecurity in Central Illinois.

Throughout the month, 61 unique posts were shared on the campaign to raise awareness.

Fresh Food Drives Food plays a big role in people’s health and impacts whether or not people can lead an active, healthy

Hunger Action Month campaign go.illinois.edu/HAM2021

“We know food insecurity is very real in our local area. Thank you for helping the St. Paul’s Food Pantry in our mission to provide nutritious food!”

EMILY WAITE, pantry manager

life. After receiving feedback from both pantry guests and pantry volunteers that fresh produce was needed at food pantries, 17 fresh food drives were held in September. By offering fresh produce pantries can promote health and help guests manage diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Hunger Proclamations Over 40,000 people in the Food Pantry Network – HOI’s region are considered food insecure.

As an effort to address this issue, two hunger proclamations were submitted, accepted, and presented to our community. One was for the City of Peoria through the assistance of Midwest Food Bank and Peoria Area Food Bank. The other proclamation was through the Tazewell County Board with Food Pantry Network – HOI. By utilizing partnerships and working together, Hunger Action Month was a great success.

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 7

Artwork by Madi Hofreiter

Mason County 4-H Federation “Joy Project 2021” promotes mental, emotional, and social health After months of being sheltered in place in 2020, Mason 4-H Federation teens were feeling the emotional effects and decided to do something to help others who may be feeling the same. Combining their leadership and program planning skills with their creative skills and empathy, they launched The Joy Project 2021 in April.

“The Joy Project 2021 is a service-learning initiative meant to promote social, emotional, and mental health awareness, with special attention to those of the teenage community,” shared Joli Pierson, Mason County 4-H program coordinator. By offering details of their personal social–emotional struggles, along with their coping mechanisms, the Federation members hoped to help others find their joy.

The project originally started as a social media campaign and then grew to include cards that were mailed and handed out.

“It is hard to truly measure the impact of this project,” stated Anita Wilkinson, Extension communications coordinator. “Between April and September our social media hits were at 9,000, plus 247 blog post reads, but more important than the numbers are the

See the complete Joy Project at go.illinois.edu/JoyProject 8 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

people who were encouraged and maybe even led to professional help thanks to this project.”

Recognizing their own need for confidential and easily accessible mental health resources, the teen group opted to turn their emotional struggles into a positive approach to help others. Included in Joy Project messages are resource links for people to reference if in a social, emotional, or mental health crisis.

The teens provided written submissions with their personal thoughts, as well as photos, videos, and original artworks. Pieces of those submissions were put into professional designs to be used as public service announcements on social media, the unit’s website, and printed cards.

“The Federation members gained a lot from the whole process,” Joli explained. “Once all of the planning, designing, and editing processes were done, the group was very excited to finally get together to sign and mail cards. So far we have delivered 270 cards. Another beautiful piece of this project is that the online posts will be easy to continue sharing for a long time to come.”

To view the unedited writings, drawings, and other creations submitted by the 4-H youth, visit go.illinois. edu/JoyProject on the Connection Corner blog.

4-H Youth Development Leadership, service to others, and career exploration are foundational for 4-H 4-H has a lot to offer and is built on the foundation of youth being given the opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore career options, and serve others. A few examples of where our unit shines in these areas include: Leadership: 4-H Federation 4-H members look forward to the day they are old enough to join Federation. Teens from throughout the county come together to plan, promote, teach, mentor, advocate, and advise. The members lead the group, with the support of their county 4-H coordinator.

Federation activities range from planning special events to serving in leadership roles for county and unit-wide 4-H events.

Career exploration: 4G STEM Camp 4G STEM Camp has been introducing junior high age girls to a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers for eight years. The week-long event introduces participants to STEMrelated careers available in central Illinois, through site visits, hands-on activities, and interactions with local STEM employees.

The 2021 STEM Camp was a hybrid delivery model that included one face-to-face outdoor event held at the Peoria Riverfront and four virtual sessions. Career topics included landscape architecture, biology, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and agricultural research. Girls interacted with local business employees, Bradley and ISU faculty, and members of the arts community.

4-H FEDERATION OFFICERS 4-H Federation is a valuable experience for teens in 4-H. Being an officer in Federation is just one of many opportunities to develop leadership skills. The Federation officers elected in fall 2021 in Fulton County were President Mason Tessier, Vice President Weston Tessier, Secretary Victoria Cooper, and Treasurer Maddy Lettow.

Service to others: 4-H clubs service projects Community service projects happen year-round at the club, county, unit, and state levels. Within the 4-H clubs, members work together to address a local need. Partnerships with local nursing homes and food pantries are common.

During the 20-21 4-H year, 4-H Quest Club in Tazewell County blessed Morton Villa Nursing Home with handcrafted Christmas cards for each resident and several fleece blankets. The club also caroled outside residents’ windows.

“The residents seemed to enjoy our caroling, smiles, and festive attire,” noted club leader Becky Lawles.

4G STEM CAMP Career exploration in local STEM fields is a priority for 4G STEM Camp.

This year’s camp included the downtown Peoria Sculpture Walk, led

by Peoria Arts Partners volunteers.

Throughout the years, 4G STEM Camp has introduced participants to careers through hands-on lessons and tours at places such as Bradley University, Jump Simulation, Precision Planting, Farnsworth Group, Methodist College of Nursing, Caterpillar, and Advanced Medical Transport, Unity Point, CSE Software, and Therkildsen Field Station.

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 9

ILLINOIS 4-H HALL OF

F ame Class of 2021

Bob & Velynna Spangler Fulton County

Bob and Velynna Spangler have been leaders of the Checkrow Volunteers for 22 years, serving with Bob’s parents and others.

Bob is also a Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer. Velynna has mentored many 4-H members with their performing arts projects.

Both have served as 4-H general show judges and beef weigh-in helpers, assisted at livestock shows, and served on various committees and boards that support Extension and 4-H. They have four children who have carried on the 4-H tradition.

Marilyn Blakeley Mason County

Marilyn Blakeley has a love for the Lord, her family, her friends, and her community. Mixed in the middle of all of that is her love for 4-H! For Marilyn, “Making the Best Better” is a lifestyle.

She has helped her four children and ten grandchildren with many 4-H livestock projects as well as projects that range from teaching them to sew to raising bees.

She and her husband Don reside in rural Kilbourne. Marilyn was an eight-year member of the Kilbourne Ramblers 4-H Club.

2020-2021 4-H STATS

3,383

Youth Reached

936 in 4-H Clubs 2031 in Extended Programs 335 in Short Programs 81 in One-day Programs

73

Clubs

38 Multi-project Clubs 17 Special Interest Clubs 18 Cloverbud Clubs

Bob Forney Peoria County

Bob Forney was a dedicated and valued volunteer in Peoria 4-H for many years. He started his 4-H volunteer career first as a 4-H dad and a leader of Jubilee Patriots with his wife Robin. He then became Poultry Superintendent and Auction Committee member.

He was a great role model and mentor, generously sharing his time and expertise about poultry and other projects with our 4-Hers.

Bob passed away earlier this year and is greatly missed.

Kathy Meier Tazewell County

88

Programs

Kathy Meier had a deep passion for food and youth. She served as a Tazewell 4-H Foods Superintendent and Tazewell County Extension Education Foundation board member.

71 Extended Programs 16 Short Programs 1 One-day Program

Kathy brought her contagious laugh to every 4-H Show, along with years of knowledge. She passed away in July 2020.

Adult Volunteers

While we wish Kathy was still with us to receive this honor, we know her memory lives on in Tazewell County 4-H.

10 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

522

84 Club Leaders 34 SPIN Club Leaders 24 Cloverbud Leaders 112 Fair Superintendents 268 Program Volunteers

4-H Spark Camps

at home, hands-on

Photo by Bethany Smith

4-H Spark Camp provided interactive, skill-building activities virtually Hands-on, experiential learning is at the core of the 4-H program.

When programs transitioned to virtual, local 4-H staff developed an innovative program called 4-H Spark Camp that upheld the 4-H learning style that youth and their families could do together at home.

Spark Camp was a series of virtual hands-on workshops.

Instructors were comprised of 4-H volunteers, staff, teen leaders, and professionals from several community partners, such as the Society for Women Engineers and Illinois State University CeMaST. All workshop supplies and materials were by funds received through the Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover campaign. At the time of the workshop, youth and families could log in to the video call, open their kit of materials, and participate in interactive, skillbuilding activities.

Additional family members could join the youth as they learned how to complete a project or do an experiment. Recordings of the sessions were also provided for those who couldn’t attend live.

Post-program surveys indicated Spark Camp helped: • 62% of respondents feel more connected to a friend • 74% feel more connected to a family member • 98% of respondents try something new • 97% desire to continue learning more about the topics covered There were 34 workshops offered across three sessions. Over 140 young people registered to attend, with youth registering for an average of four workshops each.

Examples of workshop topics: • Cupcake Decorating • Pet Care

• • • •

Flower Arranging DIY Electromagnet Basic Hiking Survival Chemical Reactions to Fake a Volcano • Summer Garland • Butter, Ooblek & Slime: NonNewtonian Fluids

4-H kits for handson learning at home 4G STEM Camp 6th - 8th grade girls engineering, anatomy, biomedical, ag, and art 12 participants Children Looking Undercover for Energy Camp 5 to 7 year olds 29 youth 3 sessions Connection Corner kits 180 families or classrooms 553 youth + 433 adults 12 activities 2 sessions; January & December

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 11

Horticulture and Natural Resources

Eight local Extension Master Gardeners honored at state level Each year Extension’s Master Gardener program recognizes a group of outstanding volunteers, across the state, who combine their love of gardening with helping others to make a positive impact in their communities and the state.

Sustained Excellence Award Louise Bassett, Peoria, EMG since 2012 One of the major projects she currently leads is the butterfly habitat at Wildlife Prairie Park. Other project sites include Illinois Central College demonstration garden, Jubilee College butterfly garden, and the annual plant sale.

Jennifer Bass, Peoria, EMG since 2014 Jennifer received the Peoria County EMG of the Year Award in 2017. She has provided valuable time and expertise to projects at Illinois Central College gardens, Wildlife Prairie Park 4-H garden, City of Pekin community gardens, and the annual plant sale.

Chuck Crider, Dunlap, EMG since 2012 Chuck Crider spent a lifetime as an educator and influential gardener in the Peoria community before joining the EMG program. He shares his gardening expertise to showcase projects like Luthy Botanical Gardens and the demonstration gardens at ICC. Larry Stratton, Peoria, EMG since 2004 Larry has been serving the community through his EMG volunteer role for 17 years. He contributes hundreds of hours each year to answering questions from the public through the Gardening Helpline, as well as at outreach events such as the Peoria Home Show, Riverfront Farmers Market, and plant sale.

Outstanding Award Bill Baker, Green Valley, EMG since 2016 Bill and his wife Kathy volunteer together on projects such as Plant Bingo and the Green Valley Community Garden. Bill has served in leadership roles with the Tazewell County EMG group and provides beekeeping expertise to both the EMGs and the public.

227

Master Volunteers 151 Master Gardeners 76 Master Naturalists

11,387

volunteer hours reported

7,373 Master Gardeners 4,014 Master Naturalists

12 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

Michelene Koch, Tremont, was one of eight local Extension Master Gardeners recognized with a state EMG award for accomplishments, leadership, initiative and follow-through, collaborations, and continuing education.

Bill Johnson, Dunlap, EMG since 2015 Bill is certified in chainsaw safety, rain gardens, and pesticide application for turf and landscape. In addition to leadership roles, he has volunteered at Dream Center Peoria community garden; Wildlife Prairie butterfly habitat, 4-H garden, and pollinator garden; and the community garden at Advanced Medical Transport headquarters.

Michelene Koch, Tremont, EMG since 2011 Michelene’s most recent EMG project includes leading the crew of volunteers at the Morton Giving Garden. She has also volunteered at Tazewell County Health Department WIC garden, ICC demonstration gardens, the community gardens in Tremont, and as a horticulture judge for the 4-H Show.

Peggy Shane, Princeville, EMG since 2013 Peggy has faithfully been involved in projects such as the St. Jude Parish Church and School Gardens. She has assisted at the unit EMG training sessions, the annual plant sale, and the Riverfront Farmers Market.

She also successfully mentors EMG interns.

2,790

$288,000

1,980 Master Gardeners 810 Master Naturalists

$186,000 Master Gardeners $102,000 Master Naturalists

continuing ed hours reported

value to communities

New Prairie Plots

at J uvenile Detention Center

Photo by Anita Wilkinson

Peoria County JDC prairie project provides many benefits to county and residents From the perspective of Extension Master Naturalists, the new prairie project at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is an excellent way to increase native plant and pollinator populations. To the JDC administrators, the project is an excellent way to save a lot of money and time mowing grass. Both reasons are making a positive impact in the community.

Extension Master Naturalist Laura Bradshaw is spearheading the project. As a seasoned volunteer in the JDC garden, Bradshaw got excited when Brian Brown, JDC Superintendent, presented her with the new prairie idea. “I started the project because Brian was interested in converting the mowed acreage of cool-season grasses into native prairie to save money on mowing and labor,” Bradshaw explained. “I saw it as an opportunity to increase diversity and the number of native plants, to encourage pollinators like butterflies and native bees, and act as habitat and food for animals such as birds and caterpillars.”

The project includes the establishment of an oak savanna and other prairie plots on the property.

The work began in 2020 with the removal of exotic invasive plants, the elimination of cool-season grasses in the oak savanna area, and planting native swamp white oak saplings.

“In March 2021 all of the working areas were burned in preparation for prairie plantings,” Bradshaw stated.

“The oak savanna was lightly tilled and overseeded with warm-season grass and forb seeds, and then native trees were planted in April.

From April through June, a prairie plot was started in front of the JDC. A team of volunteers, pictured above, helped plant 484 plugs of native pollinator plants and grasses such as showy goldenrod, golden Alexander, whirled milkweed and purpletop grass.

This summer the plugs became established and the oak savanna also progressed with some partridge pea, coneflower, and black eyed Susan.”

Staff from the Peoria County Soil and Water District and USDA-Natural Resource Conservation District have been invaluable sources of advice for the project. Other Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and Extension staff have assisted with planting and weeding, guidance, and support.

The project can provide educational opportunities in conservation for the residents of the facility and the public for years to come. It has already decreased the amount of mowing needed and restored some of the native beauty of the landscape. It is increasing the environmental sustainability by providing habitat and food for pollinators as well as for birds and mammals and has removed an invasive species known as common reed that also threatened area farmland.

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL 13

Photos by Anita Wilkinson

Above: Extension Master Gardener trainee Pam Wiley spent a morning learning at Garden of Hope during the EMG hybrid-training session. After an interactive tour of the garden, trainees jumped in and helped harvest okra, peppers, green beans, and tomatoes. The hybrid model gives participants more opportunities to connect and learn from each other, get a sense of volunteer opportunities, and apply what they learned from the online training materials.

Left: Sarah Rae and Kiana Ischner-Washington work together as they investigate a sample of macroinvertebrates they pulled from a pond at Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery.

The Master Naturalist trainees thrive when they are given the opportunity to learn outside where they can touch, hear, and see the subject up close.

New hybrid model expands Master Gardener and Naturalist training options For a few years, new volunteers had the choice to complete the 60-hour Extension Master Gardener training in one of two ways: a face-to-face class or individually online. This year, the horticulture and natural resources team combined the best of both options and created a hybrid model for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists.

extra resources among the staff and participants.

“We designed it so participants did part of their training using a variety of online instructional materials,” explained Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, horticulture educator. “Then they attended face-toface sessions that expanded on that week’s topics through hands-on learning, tours of local gardens and natural areas, and hearing from local experts.”

“We also know the value in providing opportunities for trainees to connect with each other, current master volunteers, staff, and partners” continued Nicole. “Everyone loves getting outside and exploring new-to-them sites, all while learning.”

Extension staff vetted, created, and curated the online materials that included videos, websites, and articles. Private Facebook Groups were also utilized to allow for continued discussion and the sharing of

“The work they do at the fish hatchery is fascinating!”

LORI HANSON, EMN trainee at Jake Wolf

This garden is inspiring, I am so glad I had the opportunity to see it.”

MEGAN STEIER, EMG trainee at Garden of Hope 14 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL

The hybrid model gave participants more flexibility with the time commitment needed to complete the intense EMG and EMN trainings. The face-to-face sessions were shorter hours than the traditional training. And the online portion could be completed as time allowed throughout the week.

Examples of hybrid training sites: Master Gardeners • Luthy Botanical Gardens • Tres Rojas Winery • Orchard Hill Farm Master Naturalists • City Kids Camp • Jake Wolfe Fish Hatchery • Tawny Oaks Field Station Five Master Gardener trainees, plus eight Master Naturalist trainees were the official inaugural hybrid class graduates. An additional four online trainees took advantage of the invite to attend any of the faceto-face sessions.

Community and Economic Development AG TECH CONNECT Panelists and Ag Tech Connect program investors included Morton Economic Development Council, Compeer Financial, Bottom Line Solutions, Earlybird Feed & Fertilizer, Precision Planting, U of I Center for Digital Ag, Distillery Labs, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, and U of I Extension.

The June 2021 event sparked the development of a task force that is building a network for growth opportunities in the ag industry, including training a skilled workforce as well as providing resources for innovations and common solutions.

Photo by Anita Wilkinson

Ag Tech Connect event lead to development of task force and more collaboration Central Illinois is known for its rich farmland and is now becoming more well known for its agriculture innovations. Keeping an eye on the future, local community and economic development and ag industry leaders came together for the first Ag Tech Connect event aimed to explore shared opportunities to further relationships and discover applied research and business development needs that can be supported through regional and state community and economic development programming.

Leigh Ann Brown to host a panel discussion that included University of Illinois Center for Digital Agriculture. The June event brought together 52 people who represented 22 businesses, organizations, and colleges.

Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Kathie Brown, worked with Morton Economic Development CEO and Executive Director

This innovative collaboration is a cornerstone to build on the area’s agriculture technology and yield new growth.

From that event, the Ag Tech Alliance Task Team has been established and plans are in the works for future Ag Tech events. The purpose of the team is to build a network for growth opportunities, solution providers, and be a resource hub.

Reimagining Illinois Rural Tourism applied research study in Havana

Photo by Anita Wilkinson

Havana was selected to be a part of an Extension Collaboration Grant aimed to address the increased demand by tourists for outdoor recreation activities.

University of Illinois researchers join Extension professionals and local community leaders to pursue applied research and public outreach on this critical issue. City of Havana, Havana Chamber of Commerce, 353 Court, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, and Canton Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Extension and U of I’s Department of Sports, Recreation and Tourism to address sustainable development strategies that align with the communities’ values and priorities, advance local workforce development, support local entrepreneurship, and foster collaboration among rural communities across the state.

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Partner Spotlights

MASON STATE TREE NURSERY Extension Master Naturalists (EMN) enjoy their partnership with the Mason State Tree Nursery (MSTN) where volunteers help with the Pollinator Partnership – Project Wingspan program. EMN volunteers spend time planting seeds, collecting, cleaning, and learning the processes of MSTN. In 2020 the local EMN group was honored by Pollinator Partnership with the Most Engaged Volunteers award. Pictured at left is EMN Cindy Intravartolo who regularly volunteers at the nursery.

Photo by Holly Frainer

Over the years, the nursery has also supported Extension by hosting programs such as EMN training and mason bees workshop.

TAZEWELL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD) has served as an exceptional Extension partner through both the SNAP-Ed and horticulture programs. Extension Master Gardeners work with TCHD to provide fresh produce grown in the WIC garden and have assisted with the development of their new food forest.

TCHD co-leads both Food Pantry Network and Healthy Eating Active Living - Food Systems Partners with SNAP-Ed. The collaboration shares resources, time, and expertise to better serve the community.

“They are absolutely tremendous partners and deserve all the credit possible,” stated Kaitlyn Streitmatter, SNAP-Ed educator.

SPOON RIVER PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Our community and economic development programs have benefited greatly from the synergy with the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (SRPED). It is based out of Canton and serves all of Fulton County. Recent projects in collaboration with U of I Extension included the Fulton County USDA Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) initiative, Reimagining Rural Tourism research study in Fulton and Mason counties, and Opportunity Zone project in Canton and Havana.

“Kathie also helped us secure $90,456 through the USDA Revolving Loan Fund program,” commented Cole McDaniel, SRPED executive director.

Janis Blout, Fulton 4-H program coordinator served on the planning committee for Art on Main, which is under the SRPED umbrella.

SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS Society of Women Engineers-Central Illinois (SWE-CI) is a partner that is always willing to collaborate for both in-person and virtual programs.

Members of this professional organization hold a variety of STEM careers and are excellent role models for youth exploring future STEM careers.

SWE-CI has collaborated on many programs for youth of all ages, including 4G STEM Camp, STEM Bootcamp, Spark Camp, 4-H Clover Clinic, Teacher Tuesdays, Web Development 4-H special interest club, and an engineering special interest club. Their members bring expertise, excitement, and diverse perspectives to our programs, and for that we are extremely proud to collaborate with them.

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Photo taken at 4G STEM Camp 2019

One of the poorest neighborhoods in Peoria has a wealth of resources available through the Garden of Hope located at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. The garden grows flowers and produce for the community, hosts educational classes, and collaborates with community partners to provide a variety of resources.

U of I Extension partners with them through SNAP-Education, Master Gardener, and community and economic development programs.

Pictured at right are Extension Master Gardeners Jane Mottram and Mike Brooks (who is also the OSF garden coordinator); SNAPEd staff Rebecca Crumrine and Julie Dantone; and Extension County Director Earl Allen.

Photos by Anita Wilkinson

OSF St. Ann’s Garden of Hope OSF St. Ann’s Garden of Hope is set in the middle of one of the poorest zip codes in the nation, not just the state of Illinois. The community garden is in the middle of a food desert and not only helps provide fresh produce but also offers a place of peace and community.

In 2019, funds were received that allowed for the removal of 24,000 square feet of blacktop and to build 120 raised beds. The following year the garden expanded to include seven empty, adjacent city lots.

The garden is now two acres and provided over 9,000 pounds of food in 2021.

The garden was started in 2014 by OSF nurse Mary Ann Burk who attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church, located in the Southside of Peoria. By 2018, the garden and the vision had grown to the point that OSF hired Mike Brooks as the community garden coordinator.

The food from St. Ann’s Garden of Hope is handed out free each Wednesday during harvest season. The leftovers are distributed to five area food pantries.

“My job was to grow produce for the community,” said Mike. “In addition to growing food I was to help educate and involve the community in the garden.”

The Extension SNAP-Ed team has also gotten involved in the garden by providing education via classes, recipe cards and fact sheets, and signage.

About that time, Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Kathie Brown connected the garden with landscape architecture graduate students from the U of I College of Fine and Applied Arts. Students were given the mission to design improvements and an expansion to the garden.

“It took a while to build relationships with the people who came to the garden,” mentioned Julie Dantone, SNAP-Ed instructor. “Once I gained their trust, they came to my Healthy Cents classes and participated enthusiastically. I already have classes scheduled for the spring of 2022.”

In 2019, Mike completed the Extension Master Gardener training and is regularly joined in the garden by fellow EMG Jane Mottram and others.

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UNIT STAFF

HORTICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

Earl Allen County Director

Anita Wilkinson Communications

Christine Belless Coordinator

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle Educator

Tara Heath Coordinator

Julann Schierer Office Support

Patti Downs Sub-Office Support

OFFICE SUPPORT

Deb Balagna Office Support

Paula Lane Office Support

Angie Sassine Office Support

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Katharine Girone Coordinator

Krista Gray Coordinator

Joli Pierson Coordinator

Emily Schoenfelder Educator

Kate Mueller STEM Extra Help

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Judy Schmidt Educator

NUTRITION & HEALTH

Tara Agama SNAP-Ed Instructor

Nate Anton SNAP-Ed Instructor

Katherine Ellis SNAP-Ed Instructor

Kaytlin Beekman SNAP-Ed Instructor

Elexus Hampton SNAP-Ed Instructor

Skye Mibbs SNAP-Ed Instructor

Rebecca Crumrine SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Angela Jimenez SNAP-Ed Instructor

Jo Elyn Smith SNAP-Ed Instructor

Julie Dantone SNAP-Ed Instructor

Mari Lopez SNAP-Ed Instructor

Kaitlyn Streitmatter SNAP-Ed Educator EXTENSION COUNCIL

RETIRED FROM EXTENSION IN 2021

Janis Blout 40 years

Sheila Bolliger 39 years

Debra Donaldson 20 years

Kathleen Brown 41 years

Irene Edwards 22 years

Margaret Cover 23 years

Cathy Ludolph 26 years

Sally Bair, Astoria Shundell Broomfield, Peoria Meghan Curless, Havana Kim Dunnigan, Fiatt Erika Eigenbrod, Lincoln *Maria Gottemoller, Princeville Paul Gottemoller, Princeville Holly Koch, Tremont Katherine Mueller, Peoria Sunita Shastry, Washington Steve Waterworth, Havana Patty Wiegers, Lewistown *youth member

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Front cover photo: Extension Master Naturalists hike through Rocky Glen in Peoria County as part of a continuing education program.

Back cover photo: Havana Fire Chief John Kachanuk taught at Farm Safety Day held in Mason County in June 2021.

Photos by Anita Wilkinson, Extension communications program coordinator College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Extension Councils Cooperating.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the event coordinator.

Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.

The Illinois Nutrition Education Programs are funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture by the Director, Cooperative Extension Service, and University of Illinois.

©2022 University of Illinois Board of Trustees. For permission to reprint, revise, or otherwise use, contact extension@illinois.edu.