News Releases

man watching for bats in the woods
Bats’ midnight snacks reveal clues for managing endangered species
URBANA, Ill. – How do we bring threatened and endangered animals back from the brink? The task is never easy or simple, but one thing is undeniably true: If we don’t understand these animals and what they need to survive, we have little chance of success. Saving bats, then, is arguably a...
lettuce greens
Stretch out the growing season with fall planted salad greens
URBANA, Ill. – When people think of fall, harvesting salad greens rarely comes to mind; however, late summer is a terrific time for gardeners to begin planting lettuce, arugula, endive, or other leafy greens for salads says Nancy Kreith...
Bureau Bulldogs 4-H club kicks off new year
The Bureau Bulldogs 4-H Club is kicking off the new 4-H year and inviting youth ages 5-18 to join.  The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 5th at 6:30 pm at the Leepertown Township Public Library, in Bureau, IL.  Meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of every month...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H Hunting and Outdoor Skills Club to start this fall
Just in time for the hunting season, Marshall-Putnam 4-H Hunting and Outdoor Skills will be starting the club this fall. Beginner club meets Saturday, September 10 & 17. Intermediate club meets Sunday, September 11 & 18. Advance club meets September 25, January 15...
Bureau County 4-H Federation seeks members
4-H Federation is the banding together of youth, 13 years old or 8th grade and above, from different clubs into one representative group. Leadership training, decision making, county event planning, and socialization are the focus of Federation members. This is a great opportunity to gain skills...
Bureau County 4-H growth calls for additional volunteers
Bureau County 4-H is growing and looking for volunteers to positively impact area youth! If you have a passion for helping youth learn and grow into their fullest potential, becoming a 4-H leader may be the role for you....
black eyed susans
Extend the season with fall flowers for your beds, borders, and containers
URBANA, Ill. – Fall blooming plants extend the season of our gardens after many plants have dried up or are done blooming for the year. They are also a much-needed food source for pollinators who are still foraging and getting ready for winter. Prolong the floral show in your yard with...
get savvy financial webinar Grow the Green Stuff
Build money management skills early for a solid financial future
URBANA, Ill. — Building positive money habits early in life paves the way for long-term financial stability, but navigating topics such as spending, saving, investing, and managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially for young adults who are tackling financial responsibilities for the first...
man in field with smart phone
Soil forecasting project seeks survey input for app development
URBANA, Ill. – For farmers and agribusiness leaders, accessing reliable and timely soil condition data can drive important soil management decisions that affect both short- and long-term production success.   A research collaboration between University of Illinois and...
dog
Youth dog show competition sees record high entries
DIXON, Ill. – Youth from across the state competed for top honors at the State 4-H Dog Show held at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center in Dixon on Aug. 27. A record 204 youth competed in this year’s competition. “I attribute the large turnout...
Crop Research Field Day
Illinois Valley Community College Agriculture, in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, will host a Crop Research Field Day Friday, Sept. 23 at IVCC’s agricultural research plot, 815...
plane spraying herbicide
Aerial applications going full speed ahead this season
URBANA, Ill. – This year, nearly all of Illinois has experienced hot and humid conditions that can lead to fungal pathogens and insect pests in crops. Farmers can use ground equipment to apply fungicides or insecticides, but the machinery is slow and can injure crops. So, to protect their...
watering can with flowers in top
Keep garden, plants hydrated going into fall
URBANA, Ill. — This summer has brought drought to many parts of Illinois. Most gardeners are aware that plants need water to thrive, but it can be helpful to review the ins and outs of garden hydration to ensure the best results.  “Many environmental conditions factor into...
Clover Buddies
Are you looking for something fun for your child to do once a month? Have you thought about exploring 4-H, but don’t know what it’s all about? Do you have a busy schedule and need time for yourself? If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, there is a program for you! University...
nimbleweed
Grassy weeds becoming more common in lawns
URBANA, Ill. — When confronted with lawn weeds, typically we think of dandelion, creeping Charlie, and violet. These plants and many others are classified as broadleaved weeds, or dicots, and are easily distinguished from grasses which are monocots. Scientists have engineered herbicides that...
A scary good time set for 4-H Cloverbuds
Get in the spirit of ghouls and goblins with a spooky spiderweb craft, story, and more during the upcoming 4-H Cloverbud Halloween Hoopla.  On Tuesday, October 25th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, youth ages...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H Shines at the Illinois State Fair
Thirty-five members from the Marshall-Putnam 4-H program participated at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 13.  State Fair delegates were chosen at the Marshall-Putnam 4-H Show in July. Every delegate received a participation ribbon in honor of his or her achievement at State Fair...