News Releases

Explore Jamaica virtually during 4-H International Day 2021
DECATUR, Ill. – How much do you know about Jamaica, the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean? Let University of Illinois Extension 4-H staff take you on a virtual journey through the country to learn about foods, customs, and culture for 4-H International Day 2021. Join...
Virtual 4-H performing arts club taps into children’s creativity
DECATUR, Ill.—  If you have a young dreamer longing for a chance to perform, DeWitt, Macon and Piatt 4-H in collaboration with Millikin University’s Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre is offering The Little Dreamers virtual performing arts 4-H club this February. The Little Dreamers virtual...
Four Seasons Gardening webinars return in 2021
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening series will return in 2021 with three monthly webinars starting in January. Horticulture educators will lead seasons on winter fruit tree pruning, the therapeutic value of nature and adaptive gardening to...
Grow great vegetables with beginner gardening webinar series
URBANA, Ill. – The spring of 2020 saw a surge of gardeners taking up the trowel for the first time to try their hand at growing vegetables. This year come prepared with Growing Great Vegetables, a seven-week webinar series covering the basics of starting a vegetable garden start to finish led by...
Livestock managers may complete certification on Extension website
URBANA, Ill – According to the Livestock Management Facilities Act, livestock facilities in Illinois that house more than 300 animal units are required to have at least one certified livestock manager. The certificate is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and is valid...
Holly Jolly Holiday Challenge invites youth to create holiday treats
DECATUR, Ill.— DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt County 4-H invite youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade to enter the Holly Jolly Holiday Challenge! Be festive and dazzle everyone with your holiday sweet treats. Do you make a unique gingerbread house? Or are you an expert cookie decorator?...
Piatt County 4-H Cookin' In An Instant
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Electric pressure cookers have been finding a place on kitchen counters for the past couple of years. A safer alternative than the traditional stovetop pressure cooker, the electric pressure cooker offers busy families the ability to save time and stress when preparing meals....
Piatt County 4-H Photography Club
MONTICELLO, Ill.— Mike Heiniger Photography and DeWitt, Macon and Piatt County 4-H are offering Junior high and high school students a new 4-H photography club this winter. Take Your Best Shot will meet from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec 15, Dec. 22, Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, and Feb. 23...
Master Gardener Program offers new training options
DECATUR, Ill.— You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening, a willingness to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others. The program is about connections: connecting people with other gardeners,...
Pining for Evergreens: A Pruning Guide on December 3
Do you have evergreens in your yard or landscaping? Should you be pruning them? If so, when and how? What can you do to keep them healthy and make them look wonderful for years to come? Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel will discuss the best pruning practices for pines, spruces, junipers, and...
Catch the spark and join the new virtual 4-H STEAM club
MONTICELLO, Ill.— What role does science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) play to create clothing and textiles? Youth ages 8 to 18 will explore the answer to this question and more in the new virtual Stitches 4-H Club offered by DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H. The kick-off...
Make some holiday treats with 4-H and Barclay Public Library
DECATUR, Ill. – The hustle and bustle of the holidays is just around the corner. Decorating the house and baking treats are all part of the busyness of the season. Children especially enjoy baking and decorating cookies, so Barclay Library and DeWitt, Macon,...