News Releases

Group of yellow and purple perennial plants.
Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing. Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...
four kids fist bumping
4-H officers ignite their potential during training
Isn’t it exciting to discover new strategies for leading others?  Current and prospective 4-H officers in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties will do just that during 2023-24 Officer Training.  On Monday, October 9th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, 4-Hers will participate in activities to further...
six volunteers receiving an award
Silver Award for First Christian Church Food Pantry
A group of volunteers from the First Christian Church Food Pantry in Rock Falls, IL. accepted a Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) silver award. The NEFPAT is implemented by University of Illinois Extension.  The award signifies that the pantry offers nutritious foods to...
class winners and their dogs pose with ribbons
Wet noses, wagging tails, friendly competition greet 4-H dog exhibitors
DIXON, Ill. — It was a day filled with wet noses and wagging tails as more than 150 dog owners competed for championship honors in the 2023 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 26 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Dog facility in Dixon. 4-H members who excel in the 4-H dog project are...
grapevine wreath, ribbon and flowers
Grapevine Wreaths
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie Zueger and Linda Helgeson for this program on Grapevine Wreaths. The program will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL....
five people holding an award
Platinum Award for Whiteside County Senior Center
STERLING, Ill- A group of volunteers from the Whiteside County Senior Center Food Pantry accepted a Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) platinum award. The NEFPAT is implemented by University of Illinois Extension.  The award signifies that the pantry...
shelving with art projects on them
Lee County 4-H Kids with Heart Exhibition
4-H, America’s largest youth development organization, empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.  Leaders in Lee County’s 4-H Visual Arts project area were selected to display their efforts on October 20-27 during the Lee County 4-H Kids with Heart exhibition held at the Next...
composter
Composting: Getting Ready for Fall
Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon for Composting: Getting Ready for Fall. The program will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. The program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St...
picture of brain with squiggle lines
Wits Fitness Brain Exercises offered by University of Illinois Extension
Engage in interactive activities designed to enhance cognitive function and memory in Wits Fitness Brain Exercises offered by University of Illinois Extension. The monthly classes are being held in four communities this fall. Thursdays at the York Township Public Library...
winners pose for the camera
4-H members learns life, career skills at state poultry competition
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Judging contests help kids improve their decision-making skills while teaching them to defend those decisions by giving voice to their reasoning. Poultry judging teaches standards of poultry and egg production to ensure a safe and nutritious consumer product. Youth from...
Planted shrubs lined up along a fence.
Build privacy with plants for secret gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Plants serve a lot of purposes in the landscape. One of which is to add some privacy. Screening plants can help define and give purpose to a space. Homeowners may wish to screen a particular area or transparency in the landscape, creating interest in what lies beyond.  ...
4-H volunteers awarded with Hall of Fame
Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
six employees of the food pantry receive an award
Prophetstown Food Pantry Receives Gold Certificate of Achievement
The Prophetstown Food Pantry was presented the Gold Certificate of Achievement for its outstanding work with Illinois Extension staff, making sustainable changes to its food pantry environment using the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Toolkit. The toolkit is a policy, systems, and...
brain picture advertising wits fitness class
Brain Health Class offered at Thomson Library This Fall
Engage in interactive activities designed to enhance cognitive function and memory in Wits Fitness Brain Exercises offered by University of Illinois Extension. The monthly classes are held on Thursdays at the York Township Public Library, 1005 W Main St, Thomson, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m....
two Master Gardeners  presenting a program
Lee County Master Gardeners Present Series at Winfred Knox Memorial Library
Want to enjoy exploring gardening all year long?  Are you interested in how vanilla beans are used in ice cream?  Or ever wondered about using old milk jugs as a greenhouse? How about finding out about sundials?  Join the Lee County Master Gardeners and the Winifred Knox Memorial Library as they...
horse in field
Giddy Up and Go to Sterling Public Library
Have you ever wondered what 14 hands high means?  Or what’s the purpose of a bridle?  Explore the basics of horse behavior, breeds, and safety around horses through various activities during 4-H’s Giddy Up and Go event on Monday, September 18th, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Sterling Public...
Danielle Gapinski
Educator helps youth discover passions through 4-H experiences
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff help guide the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs....