Behind every harvest are people, 4-H youth deliver thanks during a stressful season
MORRIS, Ill. — Farmers are the backbone of local communities. Agricultural professionals support people and create opportunities for the next generation. With the 2026 harvest well underway, local Illinois 4-H members showed their appreciation by...
Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. The second annual Independent Grocer Summit...
Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving...
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....
De-stress with decluttering event at Stevick Center
CHAMPAIGN, Ill - Keeping a home and finances organized on top of the stressors of daily life is hard enough. Avoid feeling overwhelmed with tips from Where to Start: Decluttering Your Home and Finances. Join Illinois Extension for an informative hour of diving into reasons for clutter, how it...
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...
Interactive art in nature celebration glows with spirit of sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — The costume Eliana Brown wore to last year’s Illuminating Art in Nature event created one of many memorable moments.“I was a swallowtail butterfly, which is a pollinator our garden supports, complete with...
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,...
Brain health series expands to Ogden community
ODGEN, Ill – Illinois Extension invites the Ogden community to Brain Health - It's a No-Brainer! Join Health and Family Educator Emily Harmon for this research-informed series at the Ogden Rose Public Library (103 W Main St, Ogden, IL 61859). This free four-part series educates adults on aging,...
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...
Local youth win big at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Last weekend, youth from across Illinois gathered at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield to showcase their hard work in the General Projects show. Young representatives from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties showcased their amazing...
Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes Mark Ridlen to Board of Directors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ridlen, an Illinois 4-H alumnus and retired banking and financial regulatory executive, to its Board of Directors.The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board is committed to advancing...
Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...
