When Joyce Smith’s children joined 4-H in the 1970s, little did she know it would be the start of a half-century journey. Now, Mercer County 4-H is celebrating the 50th year of Smith's work uplifting and helping to shape youth into leaders and community builders.

Communities big and small across Illinois struggle with vacant buildings. These properties can have a ripple effect that harms the local economy, lowers property values, and impacts the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors. Explore options for municipalities to recapture a property's value to build healthy, prosperous communities.

After moving to the U.S. as a child, Matias Habib felt like an outsider. He struggled with language barriers and social anxiety and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through the University of Illinois Extension 4-H science program, Habib found community and confidence and now has a growing ag business.

Every year, come November billions of jack-o’-lanterns whose wilting faces are now past their prime need to find a new home. Instead of tossing them into the trash or dumping them in a natural area, compost them!

On their annual 3,000 mile migration to Mexico, monarch butterflies rest in select trees. A group of Illinois Extension volunteers, The Secret Society of Monarch Roost Hunters, scout for these roosts and report their findings as part of a community science research project to help this at-risk species.

Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soils in the world. No one should go hungry here. Every year, Illinois Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers around the state fight food insecurity with fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden.