University of Illinois Extension offices will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th. 
Here's what's coming up - for a full list of events visit our calendar here

Rhubarb Festival, Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3, Aledo, IL

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will have a booth at this 26th annual festival. It takes place June 2 and 3 from 10 am - 5 pm at Central Park in the town square. This unique festival will feature more than 3,000 homemade Rhubarb Pies for sale, Rhubarb Sampling, 12,000 free Rhubarb seeds given away, crafts, music, entertainment and more all set in the  historic downtown. For a full list of rhubarb festival activities check out their website here
4-H Rocket Special Interest Club Starts June 6th
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Sign up for a beginning level rocket club for youth ages 9 and up. It will take place at Rock Island County 4-H, 321 W 2nd Ave. Milan, Ill on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 6, 8, 13, 15 (skip a week) 27 and 29.  The last two days the sessions will be held at Camden Park.  In this club you'll build 2 rockets: Easy and Level 1. You'll fly the rockets on the last meeting. The class will include discussion on the past US rocket program history, the science of how a rocket lifts off and how to build a model.

There is a $5 supply fee - with special thanks to 1st Farm Credit for a grant to keep the supply cost low. (There is a $20 4-H annual program fee due from new members). Register here
Strawberries and Rhubarb - growing & using

Strawberries & Rhubarb are in season and it is a great time to learn about how to grow them in the garden and use them in the kitchen!  Martha Smith Horticulture Educator will talk about growing both and what problems you may encounter.  Kristen Bogdonas will introduce you to different recipes that utilize both.  Rhubarb and strawberries are great additions to both your sweet and savory dishes.  Join us and taste test some of these recipes. 

Pick the date that works for you: All dates are 5 - 7 pm.
  • June 6 - Henry/Stark County Extension, Galva, IL.
  • June 7 - Mercer County Health Dept., Aledo, IL
  • June 12 - Rock Island County Extension, Milan, IL 
 The cost is $5/person.  Register here

Visit Extension's Strawberries & More Website for information on growing, insects and diseases, selection and care, recipes, facts and more! 
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
This spring salad is teaming with Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The bright green of the spinach and contrasting red of the strawberries is beautiful and the flavors are excellent together.
1 pint fresh strawberries
2 bunches fresh spinach
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons minced green onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Wash strawberries under cool running water. Remove caps and set aside to drain.
  • Wash spinach and remove large tough stems. Tear large leaves into small pieces. Drain.
  • In a medium bowl combine remaining ingredients and whisk together.
  • Slice strawberries into halves or quarters and place in a large bowl. Add dry spinach.
  • Pour dressing over all and toss.
Makes 8 servings.

Disaster Preparedness Webinar
Join us for a free webinar on Thursday, June 8, 2017, from Noon - 1:00 p.m. There are a number of things that local government officials can do to help their communities prepare for disasters.
Register Here
Mercer County 4-H BBQ & Farm in the Park is Friday, June 9th

Grab your family and head to Aledo, Illinois for a fun day of activities!  The fun begins with Farm in the Park from 3 - 5:30 pm.  The Mercer County Ag Literacy Program invites you to explore the important role agriculture plays in our everyday lives. Visit educational booths by University of Illinois Extension where you can plant a flower, make a snack, milk a cow, and other fun agriculture activities. Mercer County Farm Bureau will have farm equipment on display and a trivia wheel featuring prizes for children and a chance for adults to win a 4-H BBQ meal ticket compliments of the Mercer County Farm Bureau.  Have fun in the bounce house sponsored by the Aledo YMCA Children's School and stop by the petting zoo.

Mercer County 4-H BBQ, 4 - 7:30 pm on June 9, Aledo Fire Station
Stay in town and join us at the Mercer County 4-H BBQ at the Aledo Fire Station. Support 4-H as you dine on a grilled pork chop ($8.50 donation) or hot dog ($5 donation) meal deal which includes baked beans, applesauce, chips, dessert and drink. (Dine in or carry out.)

DUSK Movie in the Park The fun continues into the evening with a free family outdoor movie: Storks. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy during the free movie in the park-sponsored by Huffman's Farm and Home Store.

Download an event flyer here

Cash at College - Spending, Saving and Student Loans Webinar: Dates to choose: June 12, 10:30 am, June 30, 3 pm

Cash at College is a must-see webinar for all students headed to c ollege this fall. University of Illinois USFSCO's Student Money Management Center and University of Illinois Extension have teamed up to offer this educational and engaging webinar for all University of Illinois students.

This free webinar features lessons on:
  • banking
  • budgeting & planning your spending
  • credit
  • financing your degree
  • maximizing your education

This webinar offers an important guide to managing your finances. Register today!
Herbs: From Garden to Kitchen

Herbalicious! Growing and using herbs is always popular - especially when you can use fresh from your own garden or container.  How about a container of fresh herbs that you can use through frost and over winter?  In this class we will discuss best practices when growing and during food preparation. UIE is offering a make and take program on growing herbs and using them in creative culinary infusions.  Participants will be able to make and take herb-infused salt blends as well as planting their own herb container to enjoy for the rest of the season. Herb infused beverages and snacks will also be ready for you to sample.  

 

Pick the date and location that works for you. Times are 5 - 7 pm:

  • July 10 - Rock Island County Extension, Milan, IL
  • July 11 - Henry/Stark Extension, Galva, IL
  • July 17 - Mercer County Health Dept. Aledo, IL

Cost is $10 a person and includes herb garden make and take. Register here 
University of Illinois Extension | Email | Website
Henry/Stark Counties (309) 932-3447
Mercer County (309) 582-5106
Rock Island County (309) 756-9978
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