Celebrate Pollinator Week with tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
URBANA, Ill. — As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. This...
Discover reliable health insights in the Summer Self-Care series
URBANA, Ill. — Technology has improved access to health information, but the spread of misinformation online poses serious risks. To address this, researchers, educators, and communities must work together to ensure people get accurate, evidence-based guidance.The ...
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees exploring more about native bees and ways to...
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?
URBANA, Ill. — Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they’re in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don’t know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but...
Stay informed on the latest agricultural research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — For farmers, producers, and consumers, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the growing...
University of Illinois Agronomy Days series returns to ACES
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is back, which means the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return with its Agronomy Days series, where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity,...
State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Youth exhibit skills, 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 11-...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Young Illinois 4-H members inspire at statewide public speaking contest
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...
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing for home canners
URBANA, Ill. — With summer gardens gearing up, it’s time to take canning equipment out of storage. Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing to ensure the equipment works accurately.A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and...
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
