News Releases

DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H members earn top awards at Illinois State Fair
DECATUR, Ill. — The Orr building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity from August 13 through August 15. Award-winning general projects representing county 4-H programs were on display for everyone to see. DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H members had 63 projects on display on...
Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
  URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs. This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...
Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards
DECATUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Macon County Master Gardeners and a Macon County Master Gardener teamwork project as state award winners. The winners will be recognized September 10...
Start your adventure with 4-H, new year enrollment now open
CLINTON, Ill. – Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not. 4-H helps even the playing field by offering a safe space for all youth to engage in hands-on activities where kids learn by doing. With over 200 project areas, there literally is something for everyone in 4-H. Whether a youth is...
Join 4-H shooting sports to learn safety and precision
CLINTON, Ill. – 4-H programs provide youth with opportunities to develop life skills and learn by doing. One of these program areas is shooting sports, where youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of shooting, and much more. “Dan and Kathryn...
Free hands-on monarch butterfly event is fun for all ages
DECATUR, Ill. – Monarch butterflies, like other pollinators, are a crucial part of our ecosystem. In addition to being valuable, the monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable and fascinating pollinators. They are the only butterfly to make a two-way migration, and some fly as many as 3,...
Volunteer recognized for years of dedication and service to 4-H program
CLINTON, Ill. — Illinois 4-H relies on more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Each year, longtime volunteers and former staff members are recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their service and dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth...
Contest awards top nine 4-H members $1,000 scholarship
CLINTON, Ill. — The Illinois Superior Young 4-H Livestock Producers contest recognizes 4-H members who exhibit exceptional beef, swine, and sheep livestock production knowledge. Nine $1,000 scholarships are presented each year to the top-scoring individuals. The CME Group Inc. in Chicago and the...
Take aim and hit your mark safely with air rifle 4-H Club
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Atop the podium at the 2020 Olympics stood William Shaner, who received the gold medal in air rifle. To see where this journey started, you would have to rewind 11 years to when he joined a 4-H shooting sports club. In 4-H shooting sports you learn safety, marksmanship, and...
AgrAbility to provide tips for safe fall harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Every day, about 100 agricultural workers suffer an injury that results in lost work time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the unique nature of farm life where family members share in...
Free hands-on event to spread education on monarch butterflies
DECATUR, Ill. – Milkweed toxins permanently remain in the monarch butterfly’s system, which causes animals that eat them to become sick and serves as a way to protect monarchs from predators. Learn additional information about the monarch butterfly in a fun and hands-on approach at Monarch...
Become a Master Gardener and help others grow
DECATUR, Ill. — Do you have an interest in gardening, a desire to share your knowledge with others, and time to volunteer in the community? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener volunteer program serving DeWitt,...
Enrich your knowledge and your soil at free composting event
CLINTON, Ill. – Composting is becoming more common and the list of known benefits is growing. Composting reduces landfill waste, enriches soils, improves crop yields, and more. But how do you start and what should or shouldn’t be composted? Compost with Confidence will answer those questions....
Go back in time with free historical cottage garden tour
BEMENT, Ill. –  Take a journey back in time to the site where, according to Bryant family tradition, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas planned the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Experience the rich history of the Bryant Cottage, built by Francis E. Bryant, with a stroll through the...
Learn how to make your landscape attractive to pollinators
CLINTON, Ill. – Imagine a world with no coffee or chocolate. Those are just two of the crops that rely on pollinators. Pollinators are a critical part of our ecosystem and they are in decline. Home gardeners can help by being strategic in the flowers, shrubs, and trees they plant. ...