Proud of the Past • Positioned For the Future

University of Illinois Extension in Tazewell County has a history of leadership and informative, engaging programming. We offer a variety of programs that are both traditional and innovative to help rural and urban residents put knowledge to work.

4-H Youth Development

Extension provides comprehensive programs in youth development via school enrichment programs, community 4-H clubs and special interest clubs. Youth programming is available for school children grades K-12, and 4-H clubs are available to youth ages 5-18. The youth development program provides training and technical assistance to over 80 volunteer leaders and 32 4-H clubs across the county.

Mary Spahr is the Youth Development Educator in Tazewell County. In this position Mary provides research based school enrichment programming in areas such as Science, Engineering and Technology; Social and Emotional Learning; Citizenship and Leadership; and Healthy Living. She also provides training for teachers and administrators wishing to use Extension curricula in their classrooms and schools. Additionally, she collaborates with other community agencies to provide assistance via programming and curricula to promote youth development.

Sarah Timmons is the 4-H Community Worker in Tazewell County. She coordinates recruitment, project support and the data base for county 4-H Clubs; training and support for volunteer leaders; and the Tazewell County 4-H Fair. There are over 200 research based 4-H projects available for youth to choose from.

Master Gardeners

An active group of University of Illinois Master Gardeners assist others around the county with horticulture-related problems. They also carry out numerous community service projects each year.

At the Extension office, a series of 12 Horticulture Tele-Net programs are provided to any residents of the county who wish to attend.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

A series of programs are scheduled for live presentation in Tazewell and surrounding counties. If it is a "hot issue" or affecting the economic well being of agriculture, check with this office to find an educational program you can use.

Family Nutrition and Wellness

Tazewell Extension serves over 24,000 youth and adults each year with programs such as Heart Smart for Teens, Dining with Diabetes and nutrition education for residents of all ages.

Over the summer, our Extension Summer Food Program serves youth in low income areas to ensure that they get at least one nutritious meal a day.

Community & Economic Development

Whether conducting a town hall meeting or a community swap to learn from the successes and challenges of another community, the Extension has experts and programs to help local governments improve their community.