Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. The second annual Independent Grocer Summit...
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season
URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity....
Boo at the Slough invites families to learn about swamp creatures
CYPRESS, Ill. — Vultures, snapping turtles and cottonmouths, oh my! Do you want to learn more about creatures of the swamp? Come out to the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for...
Free pumpkin-themed family event
JONESBORO, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to welcome families to the sixth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza, an afternoon celebrating all things pumpkins, on Monday, October 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at...
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...
Students become leaders at the 4-H Teen Teacher training
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — 4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected and be Beyond Ready. The 4‑H Teen Teacher program helps young people develop leadership skills, improve communication, and become role...
4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...
Discovering Bats: Nighttime Superheroes program reaches youth across southern Illinois
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – This summer, youth across southern Illinois explored the fascinating world of bats through the program, Discovering Bats: Nighttime Superheroes. Through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and educational games, participants learned about one...
Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....
First Annual 4‑H Day With the Thrillville Thrillbillies brings community together
MARION, Ill. – Youth, families, and community members gathered on June 28 at Mt. Dew Stadium in Marion for the first annual 4‑H Day with the Thrillville Thrillbillies, enjoying an afternoon filled with baseball, community, and fun.Hosted by...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
Spring into action Woodsy Owl style
Johnson County, Ill. — Volunteers gathered at Dutchman Lake on June 5, 2026, for the fourth Trash Blast of the year, wrapping up the spring season of community-driven cleanup efforts focused on protecting and restoring the natural beauty of...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
Illinois 4-H youth earns national recognition for excellence in livestock education
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H member Molly McCalla of Madison County has been awarded a $2,500 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship in recognition of her commitment to animal care, leadership, and agricultural education.McCalla was one of 12 students selected nationwide to...
Illinois Extension hosts inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14
SIMPSON, Ill. – Community and agriculture come together for an evening of learning and connection during the inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14. The experience will begin at 5 p.m. and includes a farm-to-table meal featuring food grown and produced at the Ag...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
