A greenhouse with handing baskets of vibrant pink and white flowers.

2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series

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Summer Twilight Series - Mum and Pumpkin Farm

Get ready for fall with mums and pumpkins. Join Extension for the final installation of the Summer Twilight Series as we tour Friendly Farms, a southern Illinois family-owned farm specializing in growing mums and pumpkins. The program will highlight the farm’s growth from a half‑acre pumpkin patch in 2018 to producing thousands of mums annually. Attendees will learn about their production process, including sourcing, maintenance, marketing, sales, challenges faced, and future expansion plans.

Learn more and register

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center was established in 1934 near Simpson in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.

Learn more about ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois on the Dixon Spring Ag Center webpage.

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

Events

Sunflower Showmanship Contest

August 15, 2026

Growing Mums and Pumpkins

August 17, 2026

County

Pope

Climate Stewards Informational Session

August 18, 2026

Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands

August 19, 2026

More Events

News Releases

A gorup of people in a forest with connected hands

August 3, 2026

Turn climate concern into community action with Illinois Climate Stewards Training
URBANA, Ill. — From a spring full of tornadoes to summers with extreme heat and flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning...

photo collage of strawberry cheesecake blossoms, very berry cheesecake popsicle, piggy snacks, and lemon coconut sorbet

August 3, 2026

4-H'ers and families show culinary creativity through Summer Healthy Living Challenge
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Patti Powell and Becki Wisdom holding Illinois Bats poster during a program

July 31, 2026

Discovering Bats: Nighttime Superheroes program reaches youth across southern Illinois
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Lombard 4-H youth learn about retail career operations, customer service, and teamwork skills through a Casey's and Ready4Work partnership.

July 30, 2026

Illinois 4-H Ready4Work program prepares next generation for workforce
URBANA, Ill. — Workforce readiness remains a growing concern nationwide. Many young people lack access to opportunities that help them build essential job skills, according to the...

July 29, 2026

Illinois Extension welcomes U. of I. alumna to lead budget and finance operations
URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible stewardship of the resources supporting...

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