Become an Illinois Extension Watershed Steward
DEKALB, Ill.—Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is connected to the health of a community,...
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
Get Your Pressure Canner Ready for Canning Season
Freeport, Ill. --As home canning season approaches, ensuring your pressure canner is working properly is an important first step. Dial gauges on pressure canners should be tested each year to confirm they are accurate and operating safely.Only a pressure canner can reach...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...
Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
Volunteers' passion helps to grow the next generation of leaders
OREGON, Ill.— Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Ogle County honors over 100 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.National Volunteer Week is an opportunity...
Mother's Day Flower Walks to take place on May 9
GENOA, Ill.— On Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension is offering guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. Russell Woods is located 1 mile west of Genoa...
4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...
Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...
Illinois Extension makes gardening education more accessible with online training
OREGON, Ill. — For 50 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow....
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Nature Explorers Camp invites youth to explore, create, and thrive outdoors this summer
SYCAMORE, Ill.—Youth ages 7–11 are invited to spend their summer exploring forests, discovering wildlife, and building lifelong skills at Nature Explorers Camp, a hands-on day camp led by University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development professionals and Natural Resources Education Center...
New webinar series supports adults in strengthening long-term health
URBANA, Ill. — Millions of adults in the United States live with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, often facing daily challenges that affect their health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Managing these conditions requires reliable information, practical...
Ogle and Carroll County students discover how many farmers it takes to make a Tootsie Roll
OREGON, Ill.— Students across Ogle and Carroll Counties learned how many farmers are behind one of America's most iconic candies. By the end of their lesson, students discovered that it takes at least five different types of farmers to produce all the ingredients for a Tootsie Roll! ...
Succession Planning Workshop offered by Illinois Extension
LENA, Ill.-- Succession planning is essential for farm families but is often overlooked. To help farm families start or continue this process, University of Illinois Extension will offer Starting the Conversation: Farm Succession Planning Strategies and Resources for Illinois Farm Families...
