News Releases

Kane County 4-H Hosts International Night in St. Charles
ST. CHARLES – Would you like to explore multiple countries without ever leaving Illinois? At the annual 4-H International Night in Kane County, visitors can discover the geography, culture and food of many nations, all while staying close to home. “The 4-H Passport to the World project...
Illinois Extension Offers Free ‘Gateway to Gut Health’ Program
Registration open for March 10 class in Yorkville Researchers have found associations between gut microbiota and several disorders or diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, autism, cancer, heart disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease...
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Real Heart this Year
ST. CHARLES, Ill. – When we think of February, we often picture candy and cartoon hearts, but it also falls during National Heart Month. So, why not put some real “heart” into Valentine’s Day this year? “Consider a fun activity with your sweetheart, such as ice-skating, a sunset...
Follow a Passion or Find Something New this Spring Break
ST. CHARLES, Ill. – From acting to weather, the tri-county 4-H program has a workshop or mini-camp to offer your family this spring. These interactive opportunities are designed to help youth to grow in a specific area of study or just to try something new! “These workshops and mini...
Communities Join in Master Gardeners' Annual Seed Swap
YORKVILLE, Ill. – More than 70 community members joined the Kendall County Master Gardener volunteer team for its annual free Community Seed Swap event on Jan. 25. The event features free seeds including vegetables, flowers, herbs and native plants. In addition, some community members brought...
Industrial Hemp Production Workshop
Gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to “save the date” for Gardening for Food, Flowers and Fun, the annual horticulture workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension.  Planned by a committee of Master Gardener volunteers, the program includes a keynote speaker, three breakout...
8th Annual Bridge Bust Breaks Records
Imagine scores of people sitting still and silent, watching sand slowly trickle into a bucket. They listen for any small snaps or for that one loud crash of a collapsing bridge before they burst into cheers. This was the scene at the 8th Annual 4-H Bridge Bust Contest on Saturday, as multiple...
Youth can Explore Rocket Science and Aviation in February
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Youth can “reach for the sky” with fun, hands-on aerospace and engineering activities on Feb. 22 with Kendall County 4-H. “We will enter the world of rocket science and flight with multiple interactive stations designed for ages 5 to 10,” said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Program...
Extension Offers Free Program about Arthritis and Inflammation
Registration open for Feb. 11 class in three area University of Illinois Extension offices Living with arthritis and inflammation is not easy, but there are steps you can take to help. At an upcoming free seminar, University of Illinois Extension will provide research-based information...
Kendall County Master Gardeners Host Seed Swap on Jan. 25
YORKVILLE, Ill. – You’ve shared recipes and life hacks. Why not plant seeds? Better yet, get some for free even if you don’t have any to trade. The Kendall County Master Gardeners will host its third annual free Community Seed Swap event on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Yorkville...
DuPage Master Gardeners Log 9,900 Service Hours in 2019
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension of DuPage County recognized its Master Gardeners with the 28th Annual Master Gardener Celebration in November at the DuPage Care Center, one of the Master Gardener program sites. To date, the volunteer group had already completed 9,903 hours of...
Christmas tree hitchhikers
URBANA, Ill. – If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests. Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become...
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Game Plan for a Healthier Holiday Season
Americans gain one to two pounds between the Thanksgiving feast and the New Year’s countdown. Having a simple, smart game plan this holiday season can help you avoid this annual obstacle and set up a positive start to 2020. “The best approach for the holidays is to aim for weight...
Extension educator is national 4-H winner
Amy Henschen earned the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4HA) national communicator award for the news story division and honored at the group's annual meeting in White Sulfur Springs, W.V. Henschen began working as an Extension Educator for University of Illinois in July...
Farm Bureau salutes outstanding 4-H members
The Youth Education Committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliates awarded 10 Illinois 4-H members with its Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award at a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 5 in Champaign. In addition to the award, the winners participate in an elite leadership...
Key Award celebrates youth service and mentoring
The Illinois 4-H Key Award recognizes youth leaders who mentor and serve their community. Eight 4-H teens were honored as award recipients at a ceremony Oct. 5 in Champaign. The award is sponsored by the H. Richard and Sarah F. McFarland Endowed 4-H Youth Leadership and Character Development...
Oker honored for work in veterinary science
A Kendall County 4-H member recently claimed the top award for her work in the veterinary science project area. Lydia Oker was presented a $200 cash prize during...
These members are experiencing all 4-H offers
Illinois 4-H challenges youth to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country. The 4-H Experience Award recognizes youth who excel in that challenge. “We celebrate youth whose 4-H experiences have expanded outside...