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Welcome to the University of Illinois Extension Macon County website! Extension is the University's outreach to our community. Extension provides practical research-based information to make a positive difference in people's lives. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Today's Features

'How Our Gardens Grow' Garden Walk Sunday, June 8, 2008 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Rain or shine... Six gardens...Refreshments... Door prizes

Enjoy a Sunday filled with sights of beautiful gardens in and around Decatur. Gather ideas and inspirations from fellow gardeners.

$8 in advance $10 day of walk For ticket information please call 877-6042

Macon County Tip of the Week

Asparagus has begun to sprout in our garden and it's one of my family's favorite vegetables.  Asparagus is low in calories and provides substantial amounts of two antioxidants–vitamin A and C.  It truly shines as a source of folate and has a goodly amount of fiber.  Here's a great recipe for asparagus.

 

Marinated Asparagus

1 pound fresh asparagus or 1 can (14.50 asparagus, drained

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 medium tomato, chopped

3 Tablespoons Italian salad dressing, low fat

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook asparagus and cool.
  2. Combine with onion and tomatoes and enough salad dressing to moisten (about 2 to 3 Tablespoons).
  3. Stir gently.
  4. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
  5. Stir again before serving.
 

Nutrition Facts (per serving) – Calories 45 ~ fat 1 g ~calories from fat 10 ~  sodium 370 mg ~ total carbohydrates 8 g

 

Questions? Contact Phyllis A. Herring, Extension Educator, EFNEP/FNP at paherrin@uiuc.edu

Macon County Extension Program Areas

Click on an area to learn more about our programs and resources.

4-H and YouthAgriculture & Natural ResourcesChildren, Families & SeniorsCommunity & Economic Development
HorticultureJust for KidsJust for TeachersMoney Management
Nutrition & HealthSchools Online

Reports

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Quick Links
Macon County Extension Meetings

University of Illinois Extension Macon County Extension Council Agenda May 12, 2008
5/12/08

View archived meetings >>

Program Registrations

How Our Garden Grows (2008 Garden Walk)
Register by June 8, 2008

2008 Summer Horticulture Institute for Elementary School (Pre-K through 6th) Teachers
Register by July 31, 2008

Sign-Up for the 4-H Online Mailing List!
Register by April 20, 2009

Podcasts

Closing Market Report

A daily review of farm and agriculture markets in the Midwest

DairyNet Podcast

News and information for dairy producers, educators, and consumers

Illini Pet Pod

The latest news about pet care and humane education

Illini Farm Report

News for and about Illinois farms from University of Illinois Extension
News & Updates
Plant Palette
Learn different plants you can use in creating your garden masterpiece.

News Releases

Diabetes Life Lines
Current diabetes research.
Illinois Pesticide Review
Discusses the safe and effective use of pesticides and concise information on legislation, regulations, and other developments directly impacting pesticide use in Illinois.
Local Government Matters
Community and economic development news from University of Illinois Extension.
Nibbles
Ideas for coping with the challenges of parenting and preparing your children for success.
Parenting Again
A newsletter focused on grandparents raising their grandchildren.
Pest Management and Crop Development Bulletin
Weekly bulletins during the growing season, letting you know what problem pests to look for before they reach your field.
Access Extension
Macon County Extension Unit Newsletter
Echoes of Knowledge
News & Notes
News from the Macon County Master Gardener Program.
Upcoming Events

Local Government Tele-Institutes, "Illinois Policy on Providing Mental Health Service"
Decatur, Illinois (Macon County)
May 22, 2008

Illinois Policy on Providing Mental Health Services, Teleconference
Morrison, Illinois (Whiteside County)
May 22, 2008

Field Crop Scouting
Atlanta, Illinois (Logan County)
May 28, 2008

Full event calendar >>

Extension Council
Extension councils serve in an advisory role cooperating with Extension staff to provide educational programs to the public. Learn more about the Macon County Extension Council.
Contact Us

Macon County Unit
2535 Millikin Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564
Email Us
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday-Friday

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