Moultrie-Douglas 4-H member earns second place at state shotgun competition
BUNKER HILL, Ill. – Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H member Declan Stollard recently achieved an impressive accomplishment at the Illinois 4-H State Shotgun Shoot, earning top honors among some of the state's best young shooters.Held on September 26 in Bunker Hill, Illinois, the annual...
Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Members Learn About Elections at Voter Academy
TUSCOLA, Ill. – Seventeen Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members in first through fifth grade recently participated in a hands-on 4-H Voter Academy hosted by County Clerk and Recorder, Judi Pollock, and her staff in an after school program held on Monday, October 19. This interactive program gave youth an...
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season
URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity....
Local 4-H youth explore veterinary science at University of Illinois Camp Vet Med
Twenty-six youth from the Moultrie-Douglas, Shelby, and Cumberland County 4-H programs recently traveled to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for its annual Open House, themed “Camp Vet Med.” The event offered a day of hands-on learning, career exploration, and...
Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions
URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while...
Fall Mum Workshop invites community to learn, plant and beautify Toledo Square
TOLEDO, Ill. — Community members are invited to attend a Fall Mum Workshop at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Toledo Village Clerk’s Office.Participants will learn about mums and how to care for them, then help beautify Toledo Square by planting mums in the community planters. Each...
Learn what research says about everyday health challenges
URBANA, Ill. — With health information available at the click of a button, finding trustworthy, evidence-based resources can be challenging. As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, access to accurate health guidance is increasingly important. In response, educators,...
New Sunflower Showmanship brings livestock exhibit experience to more youth
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H was honored to partner with Special Olympics of Illinois - Region H, the Illinois State Fair, and Illinois FFA to expand access to participation in livestock shows during the 2026 Illinois State Fair. In the new Sunflower Showmanship program, Special Olympics...
Illinois 4-H alumni honored for exemplary achievements and service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni were honored during the Illinois State Fair for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to the Illinois 4-H...
Jenny Lee transitions to Horticulture Educator role with Illinois Extension
MATTOON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Jenny Lee as the Horticulture Educator serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.In her new role, Lee develops and delivers educational programs that help individuals and communities create...
Wits Fitness classes resume in August across central Illinois
ARTHUR, Ill. — Wits Fitness classes will resume in August following a summer break in July. Join University of Illinois educator Cheri Burcham each month for engaging, hands-on activities that help boost cognitive function and memory. This fun, informative class is perfect for keeping everyone's...
Serve your community, become a Master Naturalist
MATTOON, Ill. – From neighborhood parks to the Shawnee National Forest, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists volunteer as environmental stewards, helping protect Illinois' natural resources while connecting people with the outdoors.Illinois Extension is accepting...
Summer food preservation series offered in Arthur
ARTHUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension will offer the Saving the Season: Summer food preservation series on Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. beginning June 24 and continuing through Aug. 26 at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Office, 304 E. Progress St., Arthur.The series will...
An ACES alum with a hunger to serve
URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of...
Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing for home canners
URBANA, Ill. — With summer gardens gearing up, it’s time to take canning equipment out of storage. Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing to ensure the equipment works accurately.A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and...
From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...
