Growing together: The impact of 4-H on young learners
PEORIA, Ill. - The 4-H Cloverbud program, designed for youth ages 5 to 7, is an important first step for young children to explore the world of 4-H and set the foundation for future involvement. Through a variety of hands-on activities and age-appropriate projects, Cloverbuds build relationships...

Tree series strives to teach proper care techniques to lengthen lifespan of Illinois trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are essential to nature’s landscape and our daily lives. Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure their best life and healthier urban forest. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to be impacted through improved air...

Local Extension staff and volunteers inspire young people in pursuit of STEM careers
PEORIA, Ill. - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers in the environmental sciences were included in Bradley University's Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) classes thanks to University of Illinois Extension horticulture and natural resources...

Extension facilitates talks to address unhoused issues in Pekin
PEKIN, Ill - Homelessness is an increasing societal issue in every community in America today. Pekin is no exception to it either. The Pekin Downtown Main Street Merchants Association reached out to University of Illinois Extension for...

Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...