Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Celebrate food safety month by exploring Extension resources
URBANA, Ill. — September marks National Food Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices across all food system sectors, from farm to table. Whether people grow, process, sell, donate, or consume food, everyone has a role in reducing...
AJMPU 4-H animal shows highlights youth dedication and skill
AJMPU REGION − From the clatter of hooves to the rustle of feathers, the 2025 AJMPU 4-H Animal Shows brought barns to life with excitement, learning, and community spirit. Youth across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties proudly exhibited their animals in...
Illinois Junior Chefs inspire youth across southern Illinois
ANNA, Ill. – Dozens of southern Illinois youth took to the kitchen this summer through Illinois Junior Chefs, a hands-on cooking and nutrition education program offered by University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed. Held across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and...
IDNR Resource Trunks available throughout southernmost Illinois
ANNA, Ill. – Teachers, homeschool groups, youth leaders, and curious learners across southern Illinois now have access to a unique, hands-on way to explore the natural world thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Through a special partnership,...
Discovering Dragonflies takes its final flight of the summer
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – This summer, southern Illinois youth explored the outdoors in a new way right inside their local libraries. Through the Discovering Dragonflies program, dozens of young learners connected with nature, books, and their communities thanks to a...
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
Summer Twilight Series continues the tradition of learning and connection with local growers
SIMPSON, Ill. - For a decade, the Summer Twilight Series has been a beloved tradition in southern Illinois, bringing farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. Now in its tenth year, Illinois Extension is proud to continue...
Immeasurable impact gained through dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
URBANA, Ill. — They are friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are University of Illinois Extension volunteers.These volunteers make a difference in their...
Sprout gardening skills at regional Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Celebrations
URBANA, Ill. — Seek out pollinators in native gardens, dive into the world of aquaponics, and see how cutting-edge technology is transforming garden design at upcoming statewide Golden Garden Day celebrations of the 50-year legacy of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. This...
National leadership summit ignites teen career readiness, skills
Washington, D.C. – Twenty-six teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place March 13-17 in Washington, D.C.The Ignite by 4-H Summit is a four-day...
Hunters Feeding Illinois provides 97,000 meals to Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. — In the 2024-25 hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This provided an estimated 97,000 meals, reaching nearly 49,800 families.Formerly the Illinois Deer...
Family and Consumer Sciences Conference engages seniors
ULLIN, Ill. – Social isolation and loneliness can have a profound impact on well-being, particularly among older adults. The Family and Consumer Sciences Conference provided a welcoming space for seniors to connect, learn, and foster new friendships.Most, if not all, in attendance were...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
Competition creates passion for fishing
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April. While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.“When a kid...
