Author Archive

Small Farms Conference in Peoria December 1st

By Roger Larson

Editor’s Note: Do you ever find yourself craving truly fresh produce for your meals and snacks? There’s nothing quite like a fresh tomato or fresh green beans to put on your dinner table. Did you ever consider that perhaps local restaurants and chefs might also like to have access to fresh produce to serve...
Read more »

Posted in Articles | No Comments »

Applications available for Master Gardener Training Program

By Roger Larson

To accomplish the Mission of “building with minds and hands and touching hearts”, the University of Illinois Master Gardner program is gearing up for another year to help others grow through the Master Gardener Training Program. The Peoria County Extension is currently taking applications for the upcoming certification program that begins January 28 and runs...
Read more »

Posted in Columns, Peoria County Extension Director | No Comments »

Good things come to those who wait to claim Social Security

By Roger Larson

It is going to be several years before this author reaches retirement age. Yet, the gathering of information is necessary to assist me with proper planning. One of those subjects which needs to be considered is that of Social Security. Karen Chan CFP, Consumer and Family Economics Educator with University of Illinois...
Read more »

Posted in Columns, Peoria County Extension Director | No Comments »

Beating summertime stress

By Roger Larson

The past several weeks have proven to provide a great deal of stress for pets, humans and those tress in our yards. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, provides some insight into treating leaf scorch which may develop. “The hot, dry days of summer are more than a discomfort to many shade trees. Leaf scorch, a...
Read more »

Posted in Columns, Peoria County Extension Director | No Comments »

Learning can be fun

By Roger Larson

Yes, learning can be fun. Just ask the young people who attended the 4-H Camp Clover and Chef School in Peoria Heights in June and July. Lessons were taught in food safety, nutrition, their community, and science. Now, the fun part comes in. To learn these valuable lessons, these young people made puppets, wrote and...
Read more »

Posted in Columns, Peoria County Extension Director | No Comments »

Linking markets with producers

By Roger Larson

The Peoria Chapter of IDEA links potential markets with potential producers. This program has grown tremendously since its first inception, through the Peoria County Office, in 2005. On Monday, July 30 University of Illinois Extension is sponsoring a tour of Living Earth Farm, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This tour will also include...
Read more »

Posted in Peoria County Extension Director | No Comments »