Local 4-H Educator Joins National Ignite 2025 Design Team
4-H Educator for Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties, Danielle Gapinski, has been selected to join the Ignite by 4-H Design Team for the 2025 teen summit. The National Youth Summit is an immersive experience where teens dive into the issues, expand their career horizons...
Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside Counties
STERLING, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on over 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Four volunteers from Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties were recently honored by Illinois 4-H...
Green infrastructure flood prevention training is a natural solution for natural disasters
URBANA, Ill. — When floods happen, communities are forever changed. University of Illinois Extension is rising to meet the challenge by developing a program that trains municipalities how to maintain nature-based solutions that supplement their stormwater infrastructure. Floods are...
Take steps to address climate change at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in a...
Illinois Extension offers caregiver self- care program at Lee County Council on Aging
We all know someone who is providing care for someone else. It is a rewarding experience for most, but caregivers experience many difficult emotions and losses along their journey. This free workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension will focus on coping with the...
Empowering Tomorrow: Innovative youth education programs offered in Lee County
In the dynamic landscape of education, fostering a passion for learning among youth is paramount for their personal and intellectual growth. Recognizing the importance of providing diverse and engaging opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings, 4-H is thrilled to announce two...
Get outside, get learning at fall 2024 Illinois Master Naturalist conference
URBANA, Ill. — The very nature of nature is that it is always changing. Seasons come and go, birds flit in and out of view, and water ebbs and flows constantly moving downstream. Master Naturalist volunteers are invited to stay up to date on nature’s news by attending the...
Stored Forages to be discussed at Workshop
Livestock managers and owners are invited to join U of I Extension for a Storing Forages: Balancing Cost and Performance workshop on Thursday, September 19. U of I Extension Livestock Specialist Dr Teresa Steckler will be the featured speaker. The workshop...
Sheep and Goat Workshop Offered
Small ruminant feeding, nutrition, and managementFREEPORT, Ill.---Sheep and goats are a popular choice for youth and adults. Small ruminants are a good place for anyone to enter the livestock business on small...
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series
URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape....
Field day provides diverse avenues to resiliency, sustainability in agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — As the agriculture industry has grown and evolved over the centuries, numerous environmental and societal factors have constantly challenged its resilience. Today is no different. To achieve sustainable agricultural operations, farmers must continue to adopt new technologies and...
Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address...
Learn how to preserve flowers to enjoy year-round
Harvesting and preserving flowers from your garden is a great way to enjoy them year-round. Flowers can be preserved by drying or pressing and can be used in many ways in your home and garden. At this workshop, participants will learn about the flowers that work best for preservation and the...
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Americans love dining out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-quality food and safe food.The...
Get Up and Dance! Exploring creative outlets for movement
DIXON, Ill. - Looking for a fun, approachable way to incorporate movement into daily life? Get Up and Dance! Youth ages 8-14 will learn basic dance skills through games and activities that will help increase physical activity, promote a healthy lifestyle, and decrease potential...
Learn how to pressure can green beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
Learn how to help others during an emergency with Mental Health First Aid training
URBANA, Ill. — One in five Americans has a mental illness, and depression and anxiety increased following the pandemic. Still, many are reluctant to seek help due to stigma or don't know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can...
