Contact Us

University of Illinois Extension serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell Counties

Main Office (Tazewell County)
1505 Valle Vista
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: 309-347-6614
FAX: 309-347-5472
Email:uie-fmpt@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Closed 12 - 1pm)

Branch Office (Fulton County)
15411 N IL 100 Highway
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: 309-547-3711
FAX: 309-547-3713
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Closed 12 - 1pm)

Branch Office (Mason County)
133 S High, Box 170
Havana, IL 62644
Phone: 309-543-3308
FAX: 309-543-6239
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm (Closed 12 - 1pm)

Branch Office (Peoria County)
4810 North Sheridan
Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309-685-3140
FAX: 309-685-3397
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Closed 12 - 1pm)

News Release

Accent photo

SPRING into SUMMER: Area Master Gardener Projects Going STRONG!

June 19, 2012

Officially summer's A-L-M-O-S-T here, and information gained in spring 2012 Master Gardener projects and programs is being put to use helping others learn to grow.

Fulton County's Gardeners' BIG Day was a huge success! Over 140 people were impacted by the event which featured speakers and workshops on a wide variety of garden-related topics.

"We were thrilled to have Dickson Mounds as host site for this year's event," said GBD planning team member Mary Lou Kuchan, a Fulton County Master Gardener.

Dr. Michael Wiant, Director of Dickson Mounds Museum, was opening keynote for the event. Wiant spoke of the history of gardening in Illinois and participants said museum exhibits added to their enjoyment of the event. Other speakers included U of I Extension educators Rhonda Ferree and Matt Montgomery, U of I Plant Clinic's Stephanie Porter, Carey Boehm-Corrie, Bob Streitmatter of Luthy Botanical Garden, and U of I Extension Master Gardeners Hal Burden, Mel Tracy, and Cheryl Briseno.

"The vertical gardening presentation is impacting how I garden this summer," said a GBD attendee. Tracy and Briseno have given additional vertical gardening presentations throughout the area.

Good things are growing at Jones Park. Master Gardeners have teamed with Spoon River Garden Club and other area residents to update gardens for 2012. This spot inspires many to become involved with gardening and is a frequent spot of mini gardening workshops and opportunities to share information.

The Fulton County Health Department is host site for the Canton Community Gardens. Children and adults learn to garden together in raised bed garden spots. A team of area gardeners built and installed the beds, transported and amended soils, and guided plant selection for participants who will enjoy the produce and be rewarded for garden care, vegetable production and more. Partners for the Canton Community Garden include Fulton County Health Department, Canton YWCA, City of Canton, Canton Parks and Recreation Department, Spoon River Garden Club, U of I Extension and all young gardeners. Canton School District athletics is also a supporter.

Master Gardener Plant Detectives have taken additional training to help solve homeowner questions. Of particular interest at present is information about Japanese Beetles. Follow Japanese Beetle news links at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt.

Master Gardeners have been speaking to area groups and civic organizations. Bob Keene of Astoria has been educating residents about the impact of Emerald Ash Borer.

Bright Spots are blooming in Canton and recognized through monthly awards which feature helpful information and plant ID for area residents.

St. Mary's Church garden provides bushels of produce shared with area residents. This labor of love includes distribution of gardening information to recipients and has inspired past recipients to begin gardening.

Area U of I Extension Fulton County Master Gardeners who work together to help others learn to grow include Kelly Anderson, Sharalynn Babcock, JoAnn Block, Jane Brewer, Bob and Freda Burnham, Elizabeth Champlin, Paul Dillefeld, Kathy Edwards, Sally Hart, Nancy Hebb, Judy Hollaway, Phyllis Jarvis, Melinda Jones, Bob Keene, Carol Kohler, Mary Lou Kuchan, Linda Lane, Karen Lowe, Jody McCamey, Kay McCance, Terry Meade, Pam Merrill, Palma Miller, Carla Murray, Karen Pasko , Rita Potter, Beverly Reffett, Julia Pryor, Sandra Surrells, Jackie Trotter, Mary Virag, and Susan Walters.

For information about the U of I Extension Master Gardener program or to arrange a presentation for your group or organization in 2012-13 contact U of I Extension program coordinator Julia Pryor at jpryor@illinois.edu or call 309-543-3308.

Local Contact: Julia Pryor, Program Coordinator, jpryor@illinois.edu