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...
Local 4-H members shine at public speaking contest
4-H youth gathered for an inspiring evening of public speaking and demonstrations on March 5, 2026, showcasing their leadership, creativity, and communication skills. The event, supported by Kaskaskia College’s Communications Department and held on the KC Main Campus, featured 11 young...
Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...
Clinton County 4‑H Scholarship applications due March 15.
BREESE, Ill. — The Clinton County Extension 4-H Education Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Clinton County Extension 4-H Foundation Scholarship. This annual scholarship program is designed to encourage and support the county’s youth as...
See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff...
4-H youth compete and place in livestock quiz bowl
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill.— Local 4-H members from southern Illinois recently competed at a Livestock Quiz Bowl. The event was filled with fun activities as youth identified various types of feed, species, equipment, and cuts of meat. This competition was a way to stimulate learning in various topics...
Illinois 4-H horse judging contest crowns top youth competitors
GALVA, Ill. — Youth from 29 counties across Illinois participated in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 1, at Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva.Shelby Krutke of McLean County earned the Larry Carls Memorial Award as the contest’s overall high point individual...
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...
Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options
URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now,...
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...
Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...
Lights, Camera, Confidence! Theatre & Public Speaking for Kids
Are you ready to step into the spotlight? Kaskaskia College and 4-H invite youth ages 8 and older to join our Theatre Arts & Public Speaking Workshop on Saturday, January 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kaskaskia College.This fun and interactive workshop is designed to help young...
Food Fusion Workshop Brings Science and Creativity to the Kitchen
Local youth will have the chance to mix creativity with science at the upcoming Food Fusion Workshops, hosted by Washington County 4-H as part of the Project Roadshow series. These hands-on programs are designed to spark curiosity and culinary skills through a unique blend of cooking, food...
University of Illinois Extension Hosts Community Open House in Mt. Vernon
Mt. Vernon, IL — University of Illinois Extension invites community members to attend an Open House on Saturday, January 10, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Extension Office, located at 4202 Williamson Place, Suite 2, Mt....
University of Illinois Extension Offers Free Winter Tree Identification Workshop at Carlyle Lake
Carlyle, IL — University of Illinois Extension invites nature enthusiasts and community members to attend a FREE in-person Winter Tree Identification workshop on Saturday, January 17, at 12:30 p.m. at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center.This educational program will teach participants the...
Winter Magic Comes to Bond County Cloverbuds
The Bond County 4-H Teen Leaders are excited to host a special event designed just for Cloverbuds! Join us for a Winter Wonderland Adventure on January 5, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at The Bridge Greenville, where youth ages 5–7 (as of September 1, 2025) can experience a morning filled with fun...
Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...
