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....
Illinois 4-H'ers excel in 2026 state shooting sports competitions
URBANA, Ill. — A total of 167 Illinois 4-H youth recently showcased their marksmanship skills in statewide competitions across the shooting sports disciplines of rifle, archery, pistol, and shotgun. These events serve as culminating experiences where participants can measure the progress they...
Piatt County 4-H Club members sweep top three positions in statewide competition
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 2026 Illinois 4-H State Trap Shooting Competition may have started with rain clouds, but that didn’t keep one trio of Piatt County marksmen from dominating the competition and bringing home the state championship.MidState Marksmen 4-H Club members captured the top...
Macon County Master Gardeners receive state award for Willy’s Garden Week
DECATUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers share a mission: “help others learn to grow.” Through educational programs and events, these volunteers inspire people of all ages to develop gardening skills, explore the natural world, and cultivate a lifelong...
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,...
4-H members shine at Illinois State Fair
DECATUR, Ill. — The Illinois State Fair welcomed 101 enthusiastic 4-H members from DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties to the Orr Building on August 9 for a full day of general project judging. Participants proudly showcased their hard work and creativity through a wide range of exhibits, which...
4-H General Projects and Livestock Show highlights youth achievement
CLINTON, Ill.— The DeWitt County 4-H Fairgrounds will be buzzing with excitement during the DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H General Projects and Livestock Show, July 9 through July 12.All general project exhibits will be open for public viewing July 10-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Livestock...
When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity, confidence at State Fashion Revue
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members from across the state showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style during the Illinois 4-H State Fashion Revue on June 6 at Heartland Community College.The event featured youth ages 8 to 18 competing in junior and senior divisions...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
From judging to food systems: 4-H youth build real-world skills at poultry contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their poultry evaluation skills during the 2026 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held April 28 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The annual contest provides youth with hands-on experience...
Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
