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...
Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...
Learn about Illinois’ reptiles with Master Naturalists at the Utica Library
UTICA, Ill. – Illinois is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles, from sleek snakes to hardy turtles, and many of them can be found right in our own backyards. Join us on February 5, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Utica Public Library (224 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373) for Scales &...
