Marshall-Putnam 4-H Youth learn public-speaking skills that last a lifetime
4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Two youth from Marshall-Putnam 4-H group recently put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland College...
Youth show off their best catches in statewide competition
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April.
While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.
“When a kid cares...
Teens leaders dedicated to feeding a nation
Urbana, Ill. – Eleven Illinois teens have a new way to develop their skills as future leaders that are dedicated to feeding a nation through the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team.
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Illinois 4-H members engage with federal officials in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Youth delegates from across the country came together to participate in round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies at the National 4-H Conference held April 14-19. Following the conference,...
Virtual map provides a tool for rain garden stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – When caring for a rain garden, one of the most helpful tools may not be a rake or a pruner, but a map. The Red Oak Rain Garden interactive map shows the layout of the garden’s native plant placement. This makes maintenance easier and also helps visitors learn about the...
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held...
Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Land-grant universities key in managing devastating Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy North American ash trees following its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990s. Since then, efforts have been underway to identify the most effective means of protecting ash trees from attack.
In...
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....
Illinois SNAP-Ed: 3 years of positive impact in communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois SNAP-Education provides community-based nutrition education to individuals and families eligible for SNAP benefits and collaborates with communities and local partners to make...
Marshall-Putnam County Seeds to Harvest Program in Full Swing
The 3rd grade students at Fieldcrest Intermediate School are enjoying learning to garden from the University of Illinois Extension Marshall-Putnam Master Gardeners. The students are responsible for the planting and care as they plant their garden under the guidance of the Master...
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...
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
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...
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...
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...
