News Releases

Jackson County 4-H members at the SIU Bowling alley.
Jackson County 4-H youth honored during achievement night
Jackson County 4-H youth honored at achievement night Carbondale, Ill. – Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they...
Franklin County 4-H members attend the achievement program.
Franklin County 4-H youth honored during achievement program
Benton, Ill. – The 4-H Achievement Program is a time to recognize club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event was full of many awards and honored members for their hard work this past year. The evening kicked off by recognizing members who created a...
Illinois 4-H team poses with ribbons and medals.
Illinois 4-H teams make history in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. -- Illinois 4-H had a record-breaking day at the North American International Livestock Exposition. For the first time ever, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H Quiz Bowl. For the second year in a row, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H...
Youth work with a computer and STEM equipment.
4-H members ignite their future leadership path
Decatur, Ill.-- Over 100 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2023 space-themed 4-H Junior Leadership Conference held Nov. 4-5 at the Decatur Hotel and Conference Center in Decatur. “This event helps youth from all over Illinois gain a new...
An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Senior winners pose with banners.
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
Miscellaneous herbs growing in a wooden container.
Keep growing with herbs indoors this fall, winter
URBANA, Ill. — Just because days are shorter and colder and the outdoor gardening days are over, that doesn't mean growing must come to an end. Indoor green houseplants are an option, so add some herbs to the mix this fall and winter. Whether growing indoors or outdoors, plants still...
4-H youth from Perry County gather at achievement night.
Perry County 4-H youth honored at achievement night
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Through 4-H, youth learn leadership skills and can explore their interests through projects during the 4-H year. Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. The evening kicked off by recognizing...
Up close on brown tree bark with text overlay reading Community Tree Care.
Sharpening knowledge of tree care leads to healthier, better-looking trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life. “Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,”...
Person bent down on one knee checking soil in a no-till farm field.
Agriculture field day set to explore, address carbon market questions
URBANA, Ill. — The carbon market is an emerging entity and buzzword in the agriculture industry. Every day, different programs are being presented to farmers, landowners, and researchers, creating a lot of questions around carbon and farm operations. “It is a vital time to bring...
A gloved hand holds open a bat wing up to the light
ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of Illinois Urbana...
Randolph County 4-H youth gather for a group photo on achievement night.
Randolph County 4-H youth honored during achievement night
SPARTA, Ill. – Through 4-H, youth learn leadership skills and can explore their interests through projects during the 4-H year. Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. An event highlighted some of the youth in our...
A blue bird flying with a graphic of snowflakes behind it.
Extension offers free bird count workshops in November
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. –Do you want to understand how to participate in your local Christmas Bird Count (CBC)? Learn the ABCs of a CBC during one of the free workshops offered during the month of November. The CBC is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, which has been...
A white tailed deer crosses a road in fall
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and...
A photo of woman next to children in nature
ACES Expert: Nature exposure can ease ADHD symptoms
URBANA, Ill. — As organizations bring attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in October for ADHD awareness month, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert says time in nature can ease symptoms of the common child- and...