The University of Illinois Extension of Christian County held its first Taste of Extension event on Friday, October 24th, giving residents a chance to see — and “taste” — what Extension programs are all about.
Visitors took part in several hands-on pop-up activities, including Dress for Success, Pumpkin Trivia, Herbal Experience, and Pumpkin Arrangements Make & Take. Guests also learned how to multiply houseplants, care for them, and even made their own macrame plant hangers.
Extension County Director Sara Marten said the event helped connect the public with the wide range of programs the Extension offers — from agriculture and horticulture to youth and community development.
The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also brought its Mobile Science Learning Lab, where participants learned about bats with real specimens and 3D-printed skulls.
The Christian County Master Gardeners and Stacey Shanks from Locust Creek Flower Farm also helped lead activities, while the Edinburger’s food truck was on site serving supper.
Marten says more Taste of Extension events are planned for the future. To learn more about upcoming workshops or events, you can visit go.illinois.edu/cjmm or call the Christian County Extension office at 217-287-7246.
