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...
Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam 4-H Public Speaking Contest Results
OGLESBY, Ill. - Youth from Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties displayed their public speaking skills during the 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Illinois Valley Community College. This contest was an inaugural multi-county event where participants brought energy to the stage....
Local organizations support youth learning at Spring into 4-H Workshop
OGLESBY, Ill. - 4-H youth explored new interests and built skills during the Spring into 4-H Workshop, with support from local organizations, volunteers, and 4-H leaders.Participants rotated through three workshops of their choice, taking part in activities across a...
Oglesby Agronomy Summit brings timely research and practical insights to Illinois Valley farmers
OGLESBY, Ill. – Illinois farmers, ag professionals, and community members gathered recently for the Oglesby Agronomy Summit, an educational event hosted by University of Illinois Extension. The summit featured research-based presentations on agronomic management, regulatory updates, weather...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase skill and precision at state meat judging contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana. A total of 56 4-H members...
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...
The Foods and Flavors of the Mediterranean Diet
UTICA, Ill. - The Mediterranean diet is recognized as the best overall diet for incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. It emphasizes limiting processed foods and added sugars to promote better overall health....
Create a miniature ecosystem at the Master Gardener Terrarium Workshop
HENRY, Ill. – Get creative and connect with nature at our Terrarium Workshop, a hands-on program taking place Friday, March 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marshall-Putnam Extension Office, 509 Front Street, Suite 4, Henry, IL 61537. This interactive workshop will guide...
Join Illinois Master Naturalists for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop for young nature enthusiasts
HENRY, Ill. – Families are invited to join University of Illinois Extension and Master Naturalist volunteers on March 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Marshall-Putnam County Extension Office (509 Front St, Henry, IL 61537) for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop designed especially for...
Learn how to grow fresh produce year-round with Illinois Master Gardeners
PRINCETON, Ill. – Gardening doesn’t have to end when summer does! Join Illinois Master Gardeners on March 10, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Princeton Public Library (698 E Peru St, Princeton, IL 61356) to learn how you can grow fresh produce indoors year-round.Learn how to...
Join Illinois Master Naturalists for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop for young nature enthusiasts
OTTAWA, Ill. – Families are invited to join University of Illinois Extension and Master Naturalist volunteers on March 7, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) for a hands-on Birdhouse Workshop designed especially for children. This engaging...
Secure your farm’s future: free succession planning workshop for farm families
OTTAWA, Ill. – Farm succession planning is more than just passing down land—it’s about protecting your family’s legacy, ensuring financial security, and maintaining harmony across generations. Without a clear plan, farms can face legal challenges, tax burdens, and family disputes that...
Learn about seed starting and saving with Illinois Master Gardeners
OTTAWA, Ill. – It’s never too early to start planning for the growing season! Learn the basics of seed starting and seed saving on February 26, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Reddick Public Library (1010 Canal St, Ottawa, IL 61350).Participants will learn practical techniques...
Get a jumpstart on the growing season with Illinois Master Gardeners
PERU, Ill. – Gardeners eager to get a head start on the growing season are invited to attend the University of Illinois Extension’s Grow Light Workshop on February 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Peru Public Library (1409 11th St, Peru, IL 61354).This hands-on program led by...
Discover Illinois’ prehistoric past at Fossil Identification Workshop
OTTAWA, Ill. – Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of fossils found right here in Illinois! University of Illinois Extension invites fossil enthusiasts of all experience levels to a hands-on Fossil Identification Workshop on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p...
