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. 16 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW FULTON, MASON, PEORIA, TAZEWELL
Photo taken at 4G STEM Camp 2019
