Kenneth D. Bailey students learn career and financial skills with Illinois Extension and 4-H
DANVILLE, Ill. – Students at Kenneth D. Bailey Academy participated in a Welcome to the Real World Simulation on April 19, 2024. The simulation is the culminating event of the Welcome to the Real World Curriculum, a program developed by University of Illinois Extension Family...
4-H showmanship clinic prepares young stars for fairs
GEORGETOWN, Ill. – Aspiring young livestock exhibitors can gain a competitive edge with the 4-H Showmanship Clinic held directly before the Swine and Beef Showdown in Georgetown. The clinic offers separate sessions for...
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.
“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Free Pressure Canner Lid Testing Available at Local Extension Offices
URBANA, Ill — Calling all home canners! The University of Illinois Extension is offering a helping hand to ensure your favorite jams, jellies, and vegetables are preserved safely this season with free pressure canner lid testing clinics throughout May.
These open clinics are perfect for...
Get tools to manage non-native plants and insects at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native...
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.
Various...
Unlock better hearing and discover teleaudiology solutions with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Hearing is not merely a sense but serves as a gateway to communication and connection with the world. However, many individuals face challenges with hearing loss, significantly impacting their daily lives. Recognizing this, individuals must educate themselves and understand the...
Six replacement trees for invasive Callery pear
URBANA, Ill. — Now considered an invasive species, Callery pear is a widely used ornamental flowering tree with negative effects on native ecosystems. The tree is still bought, sold, and planted because it has not yet made the...
Local high schools face off in Regional 4-H Food Challenge
URBANA, Ill — Teams from five local high schools gathered in Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Campus for the Regional 4-H Food Challenge competition on April 12. The 4-H Food Challenge is a competition that promotes teamwork, gives youth experience in public speaking, and promotes...
Illinois Extension seeks volunteers for Cultural Day Celebration
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Get ready for a vibrant exploration of global cultures at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy! University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the school to host a spectacular Cultural Day on Friday, April 26th, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the school located at 606 E...
Spring brings opportunity to forage wild mushrooms
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a time of change. Migrating birds return. Ephemeral wildflowers start popping up. And morel mushrooms start appearing prompting enthusiastic mushroom hunters to scour forests across Illinois in search of the elusive and delectable fungi.
Determined foragers...
Illinois Extension Day offers resources and fun for all
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension and the Champaign Parks District are throwing open the doors to the Martens Center, Champaign's newest community hub, for a free event designed to connect residents with a wealth of resources and celebrate a sense of belonging. The event will...
Discover added benefits to planting windbreaks
URBANA, Ill. — Windbreaks are utilized as critical components of agriculture worldwide and have been for centuries. Traditionally, windbreaks are linear plantings layered with trees and shrubs primarily designed to reduce wind speeds. Also known as shelterbelts, windbreaks have the potential to...
Plant sale offers unique opportunity to learn and grow
DANVILLE, Ill. — Don't miss the University of Illinois Extension Vermilion County Master Gardeners' annual plant sale! This year's event offers the perfect opportunity to cultivate a...
Determining cash rent on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices across the state is, what is the going rate for cash rent for farmland?
Cash rent rates are a common yet recurring question that is...
Future forests rely on stewardship, knowledge of private landowners
FREEPORT, Ill. — A forest is many things. Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. Their leaves clean the air, and their roots filter water, slow floods, and prevent soil erosion. Timber products are crucial to local economies and tourism. Forests and woodlands also once made up more than a...
4-H youth honored for leadership, career achievements
Urbana, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways
Washington, D.C.. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 13-17 in Washington D.C.
Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and...