News Releases

Person outside in the hot sun gardening while wiping forehead of sweat.
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a...
10 kids sitting on a log outside
Outdoor Adventure with Illinois Extension's Cloverbud Safari!
PROPHETSTOWN, Ill. — Get ready for an adventure! Illinois Extension is excited to announce the Cloverbud Outdoor Safari, a fun and educational program designed for children ages 5-7. This engaging event will occur on Tuesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 6, from 9:00 AM to 11:00...
women in the garden with produce in the background
Homegrown Healthy: A Horticultural Journey from Garden to Table
OREGON, Ill. - As the warmth of summer approaches, the Oregon Public Library and Carroll County Housing Authority, along with University of Illinois Extension, are proud to announce a unique educational initiative designed to cultivate healthier lifestyles through the Homegrown...
seven people preparing recipes around a table
Savor the Season: Carroll County Libraries Offer Exciting Cooking Classes
Thomson, Mt. Carroll, and Savanna Libraries are thrilled to announce the dates for May’s cooking classes led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro. Get set for a flavorful exploration of cooking with vegetables, highlighting the deliciousness of kale and Swiss chard.Join us for these...
three chickens staring at each other
Carroll County 4-H to Host Poultry Workshop on June 2
Milledgeville, Ill. – Carroll County 4-H is excited to announce its upcoming Poultry Workshop scheduled for June 2, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Milledgeville. All youth ages 8 and older are invited to attend. There is no cost for this workshop....
Asian mom reading a book to her three children
4-H Youth Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
May is Asian American Pacific Islander month. This month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their heritage, traditions, culture, and achievements. During the month of May, 4-H members will be exploring the history and the accomplishments of Asian American Pacific...
Madison Krum and Gordon Kelm stand together for the 4-H Award
Madison Krum Awarded Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Scholarship
Madison Krum, an 11-year member of the Cottonwood 4-H Club in Morrison, Illinois, has been awarded the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Award of Merit scholarship. This prestigious $500 scholarship is presented annually to active 4-H members graduating from high school or continuing their...
A person holding out a large group of varied flowers and herbs
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-lasting...
Winners pose by a backdrop.
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –  4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Person driving a tractor without a cab on a rural road.
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide. Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Youth teams standing at a crop scouting station discussing plants with a researcher.
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize...
Horse by a gate
Youth gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 13...
three jars of a variety of jams
Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice—Jams and Jellies
Strawberry season is upon us, and fresh-picked strawberries are great! These sweet berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have a bumper crop and want to enjoy the delectable tastes of these summer berries year-round, try preserving them. Nothing tastes better than...