News Releases

4-H food science fun coming to a library near you
DECATUR, Ill. – Adults are always on the lookout for fun summer activities for the children in their lives. Events that are educational, fun, and free aren’t always easy to find. Well, we have one! University of Illinois Extension has partnered with area libraries to bring you a two-part food...
Visit the Master Gardener Help Desk to have all your garden questions answered
CLINTON, Ill. – We have a question, and our first reaction is to do a quick online search. The problem is that there is so much conflicting information. Which solution is correct? What source should we trust? University of Illinois Extension is here to alleviate uncertainty by providing research...
tractor and disk
Share rural roads safely during spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude.  The 2022 spring planting season is...
Youth get comfortable in the kitchen with free baking workshops
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Cooking is a lifelong skill that fosters independence and helps build self-confidence in youth. The Baking with 4-H hands-on workshops offer age-appropriate activities to help inexperienced and experienced cooks hone their skills and feel more comfortable in the kitchen....
An opening in a forest
Prevent the spread of invasive species in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know what an invasive species is, but you've likely heard about them and the price tags they can carry. The estimated cost of managing the damages caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or Asian carp is $120 billion annually in the U.S. ...
Join local beekeeper and master gardener to learn about bees and their homes
CLINTON, Ill. – Bees are important and play vital roles in our ecosystem, but what function does each bee species serve? Which bees are the best pollinators? Do bees live alone or in colonies? In what types of homes do bees reside? DeWitt County Master Gardeners are hosting an event to answer...
A group of birds sitting in water
Take steps to help stop avian flu in wild birds, domestic flocks
URBANA, Ill. – Avian flu cases are on the rise in the Midwest. From canceled poultry shows to advising homeowners to remove bird feeders, Illinois is urging those who come into contact with birds to take steps to prevent the disease from spreading. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a...
Visit the Master Gardener Plant Sale for quality you can trust
DECATUR, Ill. – In just a few weeks it will be time to start planting vegetable, flower, and herb gardens. Enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces with houseplants, annual and perennial flowers, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants. Put your outdoor plans in motion with a visit to the Master...
State 4-H award ceremony recognizes three Macon County youth
DECATUR, Ill. — Three Macon County 4-H members received state 4-H awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication, growth, and leadership. An award ceremony and celebration was held on April 9 in Champaign, Illinois. Taylor Crouch, daughter of Cassie and Jeremy Crouch, was the...
FIRST LEGO League 4-H robotics team receives highest award
DECATUR, Ill. — Building robust infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization was the theme of this year’s FIRST LEGO League challenge. Macon County 4-H Scream’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics team accepted the challenge and...
Youth to learn about safety and make project at woodworking workshop
MONTICELLO, Ill. – There is nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment you get from creating something from start to finish. At 4-H Woodworking Workshop with Benchworx, youth get to roll up their sleeves, put on their safety glasses, and create their very own woodworking project. “...
Meet local law enforcement and firefighters at free family fun day
FARMER CITY, Ill. – After an unusually harsh winter, kids and adults alike are anxious to get outside. Here is a chance to get the whole family outside for a day of basketball, bike safety checks, STEM activities, and pedal cart courses all while getting to know local law enforcement and...
An open field with sunlight
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...