News Releases

Bureau County 4-H offers another take and make kit
Looking for a fun activity to do at home, at your own pace? This 4-H Take and Make Kit will include all the supplies to create a bunny silhouette on wood, including instructions. Kits available for youth...
New Member Project Workshop in Bureau County
University of Illinois Extension invites registered 4-H members, aged 8 to 18, in their first or second year of 4-H to participate in the upcoming New Member Project Night. This event will...
Take heed of tornado warnings
URBANA, Ill. – As prime tornado season approaches, know what a tornado warning means and what to do. The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning under two conditions, says Duane Friend, University...
Stay safe during electrical storms
URBANA, Ill. – Exceeded only by floods, lightning is the second largest killer associated with storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes...
High dew points increase severe weather chances
URBANA, Ill – Severe weather often occurs in March with dew point temperatures in the 50s or 60s. Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator, explains the impact of dew point on weather. Water vapor is the gas form of water. Air can only hold so...
Bureau County 4-H take and make craft kits offered
Looking for a fun, free, easy craft project to do at home?  Bureau County 4-H is offering Clover Canvas Magnet kits, at no cost, for area youth ages 5- 18.  To obtain a kit, visit University of Illinois Extension’s...
USDA measuring nutrient loss reduction strategy techniques
Special to Illinois Extension SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will measure the techniques Illinois farmers use to preserve nutrients in their fields in its 2022 Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Survey...
Illinois 4-H tackles decline in oak population
Illinois once held 14 million acres of trees.  Today, Illinois has 5 million acres.    “Oak savannas are being overtaken by invasive species, as well as more shade-tolerant trees, such as maples,” Curt Sinclair, 4-H Specialist, Natural Resources says. “In addition, the...
Bureau County youth can showcase public presentation skills in 4-H
4-H excels in preparing youth to speak confidently. The 4-H Public Presentation Contest allows youth to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a supportive environment. Youth will learn from professionals as well as their fellow 4-H members.   Youth ages 8 – 18 can...
Test private wells to ensure safe drinking water
URBANA, Ill. – A properly constructed and maintained water well can provide many years of trouble-free service, but over time, wells can deteriorate or become damaged, allowing surface contaminants to enter the water in the well. In addition, groundwater can become contaminated. ...
Submit questions in advance for virtual 4-H Town Hall
URBANA, Ill. – In anticipation of the upcoming Illinois 4-H Town Hall, 4-H volunteers, members, partners, and alumni are invited to submit questions. The Town Hall begins at 7 p.m. March 1. The Town Hall, hosted by the Illinois 4-H...
Trim trees, shrubs in the dormant season for stronger, healthier plants
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout the growing season, gardeners and arborists talk about the benefits of pruning woody ornamentals while they are dormant, and that time is almost here. “Pruning can seem like a daunting task, but it is an important cultural practice for the health and vigor...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H offers speaking workshop
Are you uneasy with public speaking? Marshall-Putnam 4-H is offering a 3-day public speaking workshop.  Public Speaking Made Easy workshop is open to all youth 8-...
4-H Foundation awards $45,000 in scholarships
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 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...
4-H youth honored for career achievements
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...