News Releases

raised vegetable garden
Growing Spaces for Vegetable Gardens in Raised Beds and Containers
Don’t have usable space in the ground to grow your vegetables?  With Spring upon us, and rising grocery costs, both new and experienced gardeners alike are planning what foods can be grown at home. Learn how to use above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful production of your...
A pair of redbud trees in bloom with pink flowers in spring alongside gravel road
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and...
Canned tomatoes
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat. Discover how to can with confidence and...
hands in a huddle
Volunteers’ passion helps to grow the next generation of leaders
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Marshall-Putnam Counties honors its 2023 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 16-22. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to...
Germán Bollero
Bollero named College of ACES dean
URBANA, Ill. – Germán Bollero will be the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pending approval...
rows of vegetables with tarp over soil grow behind garden building
Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, communities
URBANA, Ill. –  The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation. There is...
krish nangie poses in front of NASA statue
4-H youth space dream becomes reality
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Dreams do come true, and for one Illinois 4-H youth, that day came March 14 as Krish Nangia of Naperville witnessed an experiment he helped create launched into space from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The dream started in 2022 as 4-H youth...
two girls in orange hard hats and yellow vests
Youth are inspired at 4G STEM Camp
PEORIA. Ill. - Have you wondered what it would be like to work in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) field in the Greater Peoria area? Women leaders in Central Illinois' manufacturing, technology, and education sectors are working together to coordinate the annual 4G (G +...
Bulbs that didn't work and a bulb that does shining on them
4-H youth honored for career achievements, leadership
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program. The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
horseshoe with a clover
Youth hone decision-making skills in state equine contest
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 18 at the Black Hawk College East Campus. In this contest, youth judge...
diverse group of people on the sandy shore of a lake
5 takeaways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion in watershed management
URBANA, Ill.  – Achieving clean water goals requires the inclusion of diverse views and considering the equity of impacts and solutions; yet, underrepresented communities don’t always have a voice in watershed planning efforts. At a symposium as part of a 2022 Climate Intersections...
linda perucca demonstrates a food science skill on zoom
Youth get hands-on look at future in food science
Urbana, Ill. – Fifty-six youth from across Illinois got a hands-on look at a future in food science at a recent 4-H Food with Food Science virtual workshop held Feb. 16. In this interactive experience, youth were able to work with food scientist and 4-H alum, Linda Perucca, to learn more about...