News Releases

Marshall-Putnam 4-H Federation’s Red Cross blood drive a success
University of Illinois, Marshall-Putnam 4-H Federation’s Red Cross blood drive was another success.  Thank you to all who came in to donate. With the help of our community, we were able to collect 18 pints, which can help save 54 lives.   For more information call University of...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H At Home STEM kits available at local libraries
April’s 4-H At Home activity is now available at the Henry, Magnolia, McNabb and Toluca public libraries. This month youth ages 8-18 will build a paddle boat.  The free STEM kits include materials to make your own paddle boat. This activity is brought to you by National 4-H Council and...
Youth fishing program gets kids off screens, into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – In the past year, screen time has increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing have gone remote.  Illinois 4-H has developed a new outdoor curriculum for junior-high age youth focused on getting kids spending time outside and enjoying the proven...
Youth take on the role of citizen scientists in nesting study
Urbana, Ill. - At more than 30 sites across the state, 4-H members are serving as citizen scientists studying the preferences of different styles of nest boxes tailored toward Barred Owls in order to advance future youth environmental stewardship. This project tracks the...
Get rid of weeds and insects at home without pesticides
URBANA, Ill. – It finally happened; your garden’s first tomato is ready to harvest. Bright red and plump, you can practically taste it, but on closer inspection someone already has. Do you dig out the trusty bottle of insecticide? Not so fast, says...
Bring office plants neglected during pandemic back to life
URBANA, Ill. – When people walked out of their workplaces last March, most did not think it would be months or even a year before they would come back.   As employees continue to return to in-person work, they might find themselves facing...
From hunt to plate, make a tasty dish of your wild game
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois hunters support the health of ecosystems, conservation efforts, and local economies. Successful hunts also provide lean, local protein for families and communities. University of Illinois Extension...
Gardening benefits body, mind, wallet
URBANA, Ill. — A continuously connected lifestyle can drain internal batteries quickly, but digging into the world outside may be the best way to rejuvenate, revitalize and recharge. “The gadgets of gardening aren’t flashy: a shovel, pruners, hoses and bags of seeds,” says...
Free Pressure Canner Testing offered
Enjoy the freshness of produce all year long when you preserve your food safely!  University of Illinois Extension offers free pressure canner gauge and seal testing at your local Extension office.  We have offices in Oglesby, Ottawa, Princeton, and Henry.  Ensure your...
Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Spring Series Webinars
 Brush off the trowel and get ready for spring with the University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series starting in late March. The public is invited to participate in this free webinar series. The first session of the series titled “Growing and Using Herbs” will run...
Youth leaders ready to meet ag challenges today and tomorrow
URBANA, Ill. -- High school students developed the skills and knowledge needed to face challenges in agriculture both as teen leaders today and as future careers tomorrow at the recent National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science....
Youth come together to make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens will gather to gain hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference on April 24 and 25.  The theme of this year’s conference is “Making Your Mark,” highlighting the roles and skills that youth can take in...
Illinois youth learn skills to become healthy living changemakers
URBANA, Ill. – The past year has presented many challenges to people's physical, emotional, and mental health. Risk factors such as poverty, neglect, and violence can make the challenges more intense, and social isolation and uncertainty from COVID-19 may continue to negatively impact community...