News Releases

Award honors outstanding youth leadership in ag industry
URBANA, Ill. – The 4-H Sustaining the Future Award was created to recognize 4-H members who have exemplified outstanding leadership in the agricultural industry. The leadership achievements of Illinois 4-H members were...
State 4-H Hippology contest fosters passion for all things equine
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 state educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Darla Bradham joins Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program
For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the last four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program...
Little Roots Gardening Program for Tag-A-Longs
Edwards County 4-H Tag-A-Longs, ages 5-7, met at the Extension office on Saturday, April 17, for a Little Roots Gardening Workshop.  The attendees made “growing” bracelets and learned about the six basic elements’ plants need to grow and thrive. The next activity that was completed was a...
Volunteers at the heart of Illinois 4-H
Urbana, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming.  University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program honors its 6,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. “Our...
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Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal
URBANA, Ill. — Every spring, enthusiastic woodland hunters scour forests across Illinois in search of an elusive and delectable fungi, the morel.Determined foragers delight in the thrill of harvesting wild morel mushrooms, Morchella spp, that can’t be bought at a grocery...
Get your food directly from the source
URBANA, Ill.— Learn to eat healthy while supporting local growers. University of Illinois Extension is offering a monthly webinar series beginning April 21 to help you navigate the Illinois growing season. Each webinar starts at noon and lasts 30 minutes....
Local Edwards and Wabash County 4-H Members Share Opportunity for Local Youth
Ava Anderson and Eva Hocking, members of the Edwards County and Wabash County 4-H, respectively are members of the Illinois 4-H Food Advocacy Team.  They are sharing an upcoming virtual state-level opportunity for the youth in your area. This year, the Food Advocacy Team is hosting their...
Youth take on the role of citizen scientists in nesting study
Urbana, Ill. - At more than 30 sites across the state, 4-H members are serving as citizen scientists studying the preferences of different styles of nest boxes tailored toward Barred Owls in order to advance future youth environmental stewardship. This project tracks the...
Get rid of weeds and insects at home without pesticides
URBANA, Ill. – It finally happened; your garden’s first tomato is ready to harvest. Bright red and plump, you can practically taste it, but on closer inspection someone already has. Do you dig out the trusty bottle of insecticide? Not so fast, says...
4-H Transitioning Back to In-Person Workshops
  After a year of not having face-to-face workshops, 4-H youth are now able to attend workshops with fellow members and friends.  Although, there will be a set number that can attend.  Attendees will be following the IDPH COVID restrictions, masks and social distancing...
Youth leaders ready to meet ag challenges today and tomorrow
URBANA, Ill. -- High school students developed the skills and knowledge needed to face challenges in agriculture both as teen leaders today and as future careers tomorrow at the recent National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science....