News Releases

State 4-H Hippology contest fosters passion for all things equine
URBANA, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent state educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Meeting community housing needs is key to economic mobility
URBANA, Ill. –  Economic mobility in communities is tied to affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing costs nearly $2 trillion in lost wages and productivity and creates instability where children fail to thrive, according to the...
Volunteers at the heart of Illinois 4-H
Urbana, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming.  University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program honors its 6,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. “Our...
mushroom
Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, enthusiastic woodland hunters scour forests across Illinois in search of an elusive and delectable fungi, the morel. Determined foragers delight in the thrill of harvesting wild morel mushrooms, Morchella spp, that can’t be bought at a grocery...
Local redistricting process will redefine politics in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. - After the 2020 census, every state, including Illinois, will create new electoral maps, redrawing district lines for state legislators. States with more than one U.S. representative, likewise, revise their congressional district maps using a variety of legislative procedures...
Get your food directly from the source
URBANA, Ill.— Learn to eat healthy while supporting local growers. University of Illinois Extension is offering a monthly webinar series beginning April 21 to help you navigate the Illinois growing season. Each webinar starts at noon and lasts 30 minutes....
Youth fishing program gets kids off screens, into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – In the past year, screen time has increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing have gone remote.  Illinois 4-H has developed a new outdoor curriculum for junior-high age youth focused on getting kids spending time outside and enjoying the proven...
Youth take on the role of citizen scientists in nesting study
Urbana, Ill. - At more than 30 sites across the state, 4-H members are serving as citizen scientists studying the preferences of different styles of nest boxes tailored toward Barred Owls in order to advance future youth environmental stewardship. This project tracks the...
Get rid of weeds and insects at home without pesticides
URBANA, Ill. – It finally happened; your garden’s first tomato is ready to harvest. Bright red and plump, you can practically taste it, but on closer inspection someone already has. Do you dig out the trusty bottle of insecticide? Not so fast, says...