Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and...
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat.
Discover how to can with confidence and...
Bollero named College of ACES dean
URBANA, Ill. – Germán Bollero will be the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pending approval...
Foundation honors 4-H youth at scholarship awards ceremony
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The Illinois 4-H Foundation awarded $...
Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, communities
URBANA, Ill. – The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation.
There is...
Youth leaders represent 4-H at Agriculture Legislative Day
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Youth Leadership Team represented Illinois 4-H at the Agriculture Legislative Day held in Springfield March 29. Agriculture Legislative Day allows farm and agricultural...
4-H alum uses civic engagement skills, elected as youngest county board member
MORRIS, Ill. – Empowering youth to find their voice is an integral part of the 4-H program, and for 19-year-old Nathanael Greene, a recent 4-H alum from Morris and recently elected as Grundy county’s youngest county board member, that voice led him right to a seat at the table – in county...
4-H youth space dream becomes reality
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Dreams do come true, and for one Illinois 4-H youth, that day came March 14 as Krish Nangia of Naperville witnessed an experiment he helped create launched into space from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The dream started in 2022 as 4-H youth...
Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.
Learn...
Make the most of mulch by choosing from living, synthetic, inorganic, or organic
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, gardeners turn to mulches for their landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits of mulch is reduced soil erosion and compaction. Mulch also moderates soil temperature keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another...
4-H youth honored for career achievements, leadership
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
Youth hone decision-making skills in state equine contest
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 18 at the Black Hawk College East Campus.
In this contest, youth judge...
Belusko takes on new role as community and economic development educator
URBANA, Ill. – Central Illinois is building its service to community with the addition of staff devoted to community and economic development. Valerie Belusko has advanced to community and economic development educator serving...
5 takeaways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion in watershed management
URBANA, Ill. – Achieving clean water goals requires the inclusion of diverse views and considering the equity of impacts and solutions; yet, underrepresented communities don’t always have a voice in watershed planning efforts.
At a symposium as part of a 2022 Climate Intersections...
Innovation, compassion at Dixon Springs ag center fuel food access
URBANA, Ill. – People in and around Pope County need access to free and for-sale fresh produce like never before.
High tunnels allow Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) to grow fruits and vegetables for its neighbors all...
Youth get hands-on look at future in food science
Urbana, Ill. – Fifty-six youth from across Illinois got a hands-on look at a future in food science at a recent 4-H Food with Food Science virtual workshop held Feb. 16. In this interactive experience, youth were able to work with food scientist and 4-H alum, Linda Perucca, to learn more about...
Foundation awards scholarships for 4-H excellence, mastery
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...
