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 progressing rapidly...

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....

Leadership and project excellence recognized by DeWitt County 4-H Foundation
CLINTON, Ill. — Spring is scholarship season, and several area youths are the recipients of DeWitt County 4-H Foundation Scholarships. These 4-H members have all demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities within their clubs and communities. Dawson Raines, son of Gavin...

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. May is...

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...

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...

Learn how to extend the longevity of garden tools with proper care
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Do garden shovels need to be sharpened? How should loppers be cleaned? What needs considered when purchasing pruners? Get the answer to these and more at University of Illinois Extension’s Garden Tool Maintenance. ...

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...

Beautify your landscape with plants from the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale
DECATUR, Ill. – Warming temperatures signal that it’s almost time to get your hands in the dirt. Prepare for garden and landscape plantings with a visit to the Master Gardener Plant Sale hosted by University of Illinois Extension. ...

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...

Area 4-H members place in the top five at Horse Judging Contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension hosted the annual All-Youth Horse Judging Contest during the Illinois Horse Fair on March 5 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Several 4-H members from DeWitt and...

Robotics team moves on to compete at world championship event in Texas
DECATUR, Ill. — It’s been a record-setting year for 4-H Scream’s FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge Team, Super SCREAM Bros. Their performance at the Central-Southern Illinois Qualifier provided multiple...

Learn the art of Nature Journaling at the Carolyn Mason Education Day
DECATUR, Ill. — Spending time outside and connecting with nature can positively affect our well-being. Taking a break from technology and observing what is around us may relieve stress. The Carolyn Mason Education Day hosted by ...

Make your own herb garden at free 4-H event
MANSFIELD, Ill. – Growing herbs is a great way to introduce youth to gardening. Many herbs require very little care. Adding herbs to a recipe takes it to a new level. Fresh herbs take those recipes to the next level. Have them readily available by planting an indoor herb garden. At 4-H Indoor...

Prime-Time Health program unlocks the mystery of leading a healthier lifestyle
CLINTON, Ill. —  Every day, people find themselves trying to understand what it takes to live a more healthy life. The amount of information is overwhelming and piecing it all together is a daunting task. University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt...

Attract more butterflies to your garden with tips from an expert
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Gardeners looking to create a butterfly haven can pick up helpful tips from entomologist Dr. Michael Jeffords. This co-author of Butterflies of Illinois: A Field Guide, will be the keynote speaker at Gardeners’ Day on April 2 in Monticello. Dr. Michael Jeffords is a retired...