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,...
Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...
Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...
Fruit and vegetable growers cultivate knowledge and success through Extension program
MT. VERNON, Ill. — Growing fruits and vegetables comes with plenty of challenges and unknowns. Producers can count on Illinois Extension's up-to-date, practical research to guide their production decisions. Community members can make plans now to attend the 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and...
Annual research-backed training yields results for commercial fruit tree growers
HARDIN, Ill. — Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Growers can get current research-based information to help their tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern...
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
