Lifelong Learning

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...

Illinois Extension brings community together through container gardening workshops in Cairo and Metropolis
CAIRO and METROPOLIS, Ill. — Community members across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties recently came together to learn, create, and grow at the Container Gardening Workshops hosted by the University of Illinois Extension at local food donation gardens in...

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...

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...