Food Fusion Workshop Brings Science and Creativity to the Kitchen
Local youth will have the chance to mix creativity with science at the upcoming Food Fusion Workshops, hosted by Washington County 4-H as part of the Project Roadshow series. These hands-on programs are designed to spark curiosity and culinary skills through a unique blend of cooking, food...
Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...
Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...
Deepen your connection to nature as an Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer
BENTON, Ill – Do you love spending time outdoors? Are you passionate about giving back to your community? The Illinois Master Naturalist training program is seeking individuals interested in becoming active environmental stewards in southern Illinois. Illinois Extension is...
Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...
Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...
Next-gen leaders: Illinois 4-H teens selected for national summit delegation
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud to announce the state’s delegation of 26 teen leaders selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place Mar. 25 - 29 in Washington, D.C. This premier national event brings together high school-aged youth from across the...
Fruit and vegetable growers cultivate knowledge and success through Extension program
MT. VERNON, Ill. — Growing fruits and vegetables comes with plenty of challenges and unknowns. Producers can count on Illinois Extension's up-to-date, practical research to guide their production decisions. Community members can make plans now to attend the 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and...
Annual research-backed training yields results for commercial fruit tree growers
HARDIN, Ill. — Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Growers can get current research-based information to help their tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern...
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
Make Memories That Last: Festive Ornament Workshops in December
The holidays are the perfect time to get creative—and what better way to do that than with a hands-on horticulture project? University of Illinois Extension invites you to join us for festive workshops designed to bring nature indoors and add a personal touch to your holiday décor....
Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and...
Community gathers to smash pumpkins aimed at composting
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – On November 8, Illinois Extension teamed up with the Jackson County Health Department to host a Pumpkin Smash event focused on promoting composting and reducing methane emissions from decomposing pumpkins. Held at the Illinois Extension office in Murphysboro, the event drew...
Young builders bring stories to life in 4-H challenge
URBANA, Ill. — From mad scientists to haunted trees, Illinois 4-H youth let their imaginations run wild in October’s statewide 4-H Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, themed “Monster Mash: Build a spooky creature or monster.” More than 80 youth from across Illinois...
Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...
Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
