Extending Knowledge, Addressing Needs

Upcoming Events

Announcements and Highlights

Become a Master Naturalist

Engage with the natural world and seek lifelong learning opportunities to further development as a naturalist.

Youth are expanding knowledge through 4-H school programs that focus on areas like financial literacy, teen leadership, animal biology, and more. Reach out to your local 4-H office today to learn more!

Pesticide Safety Education Program

View courses and training materials available to help you prepare for your exam.

Events

2026 Attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Own Backyard Pollinator Garden

February 21, 2026

County

Johnson

Eating Disorders and Food Insecurity

February 25, 2026

Plants of Concern Herbarium Mounting - Jackson County

February 26, 2026

County

Jackson

Snake Road Sentinels - Spring Workshop

February 28, 2026

County

Union

Pulaski

Massac

Johnson

Alexander

More Events

News Releases

Woman showing two young kids and their mother some gardening information in a greenhouse.

February 5, 2026

Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...

A heart shaped design made from willow branches hanging outdoors as decor

January 29, 2026

Embrace nature’s snowy season with Illinois Extension Four Seasons winter webinars
URBANA, Ill. — With a bit of creativity and planning, winter activities can still include nature. Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

January 28, 2026

Gardening program introduces ways to volunteer
The Golden Hour Gardening Series is a program created to introduce the community to the Cultivating Care Garden in Marion. Each session will be lead by a local Extension Educator. This program is a warm, beginner‑friendly series designed to help people enjoy gardening during the most beautiful...

Delegates in formal wear pose in front of curtains.

January 15, 2026

Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...

The Naff family poses with a winter village scene made of Lego.

January 7, 2026

Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...

More News Releases

Local Programs

4-H Youth Development