Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions
URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while...
Interactive art in nature celebration glows with spirit of sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — The costume Eliana Brown wore to last year’s Illuminating Art in Nature event created one of many memorable moments.“I was a swallowtail butterfly, which is a pollinator our garden supports, complete with...
Boo at the Slough invites families to learn about swamp creatures
CYPRESS, Ill. — Vultures, snapping turtles and cottonmouths, oh my! Do you want to learn more about creatures of the swamp? Come out to the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for...
Free pumpkin-themed family event
JONESBORO, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to welcome families to the sixth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza, an afternoon celebrating all things pumpkins, on Monday, October 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at...
Learn what research says about everyday health challenges
URBANA, Ill. — With health information available at the click of a button, finding trustworthy, evidence-based resources can be challenging. As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, access to accurate health guidance is increasingly important. In response, educators,...
Local growers get fresh research and production strategies at Pumpkin Field Day
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Attendees from across the Midwest braved the triple-digit temperatures to attend Pumpkin Field Day. The biannual event welcomed growers, educators, and industry partners for a hands-on pumpkin field day that highlighted the latest research, production strategies, and on‑farm...
New Sunflower Showmanship brings livestock exhibit experience to more youth
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H was honored to partner with Special Olympics of Illinois - Region H, the Illinois State Fair, and Illinois FFA to expand access to participation in livestock shows during the 2026 Illinois State Fair. In the new Sunflower Showmanship program, Special Olympics...
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...
Students become leaders at the 4-H Teen Teacher training
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — 4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected and be Beyond Ready. The 4‑H Teen Teacher program helps young people develop leadership skills, improve communication, and become role...
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...
Gregg family recognized with 2026 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Gregg family’s 4-H story began more than 70 years ago when Virgil and Edith Gregg organized 4-H clubs in Shelby County and inspired generations of young people to learn and lead. Today, four generations and 17 family members have contributed more...
Illinois 4-H alumni honored for exemplary achievements and service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni were honored during the Illinois State Fair for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to the Illinois 4-H...
Southern Illinois hosts their sixth annual Food Security Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — Hunger may not always be visible, but its impact is deeply felt across Southern Illinois. According to Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap,” more than 45,000 residents, nearly 15% of the local population, struggle with food insecurity. That urgent reality brought together...
Summer wrap-up program offers insight on fall garden tasks and food preservation safety
ELDORADO, Ill. – For many, the summer garden season is ending, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. There are many things you can do now to set your garden and pantry up for success over the winter.On Sept. 22, join Extension to learn tips and resources for wrapping up the summer...
Illinois 4-H youth compete in 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award contest
The 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award program and state 4-H dairy judging contest were held Aug. 22 at the Illinois State Fair. Fourteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois participated in the SYDPA program, and 41 youth competed in the dairy judging contest.The purpose...
