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U of I Extension highlights Hometown Leaders, 4-H grant and Pumpkin Smash diverting 3,400 pounds of pumpkins
Summary
Carla Nelzer, U of I county extension director, updated the board on youth engagement, a $1,500 state grant for 4-H Health Rocks, master naturalist training, Farm-to-Table tours and a Pumpkin Smash event that diverted over 3,400 pounds of pumpkins from landfill.
Carla Nelzer, U of I Extension county director, delivered the quarterly extension report to the Lee County Board on Nov. 17, highlighting several community programs and recent successes.
Nelzer thanked the board for partnering on the Hometown Leaders program held in September that connects students with county departments and civic processes. She noted staff presented the program at the Illinois Main Street Conference and that local students toured departments including the circuit clerk and the telecommunication center.
Nelzer said the 4-H 'Health Rocks' program — which delivers in-school health and wellness lessons to fifth graders and culminates in a hospital field trip — was supported this year by a state grant of $1,500. She also reported master naturalist training added eight volunteers who will each provide 30 hours of community programming focused on environmental stewardship.
Other highlights included Farm-to-Table Tours (about 25 participants), completion of a needs assessment involving roughly 80 key informant interviews to inform future extension work, and the second annual Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 8 at Sauk Valley Community College that diverted over 3,400 pounds of pumpkins from landfill while promoting composting.
Nelzer said extension staff expect to return with a fuller written report in February.
What’s next: A written needs assessment report and an extension follow-up to appear at a future board meeting.
