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Six people, some wearing branded University of Illinois apparel, stand inside a greenhouse

“The kitchen table of the University:" Statewide tour highlights Extension’s local impact

JOLIET, Ill. — From neighborhood gardens to community partnerships, University of Illinois Extension is helping residents access research-based solutions close to home. Members of the Illinois Extension leadership team...

A family smile at the camera

Illinois Extension highlights practical ways to support youth mental health

URBANA, Ill. — Many adults feel unprepared to navigate conversations around mental health with the young people in their care. During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond...

Two people sit at a table, showing images to a group of students

Morris area youth learn about civic engagement, local government at annual Government Day event

MORRIS, Ill. — Youth from area schools traveled to Morris last week to spend time with local community leaders and learn more about civic engagement during the 2026 Grundy County Government Day program hosted by the...


 

News Releases

A tree trunk looking up at green canopy and the text "tri-state forest stewardship"
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...
Dementia Friendly America logo
Champaign-Urbana Named Dementia Friendly Community
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – On December 5, Champaign-Urbana was officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly community. The Dementia Friendly Community recognition comes from Dementia Friendly America®. Dementia Friendly America is a national collaborative group whose mission is to encourage communities...
Three people smile for the camera
Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nicole Alvarado
MORRIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight follows...
Illinois Extension unwrapped
Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension...
4-H Beyond Ready
Grundy County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
MORRIS, Ill – University of Illinois Extension in Grundy County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “Today, we want to take the time to recognize the achievements of 4-H members who, quite literally, are making the best better every day,”...
Kankakee County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “This year we want to take the time to recognize 4-H members who have accomplished so much during this past program year,” said...
"I Dare You" Award
Kankakee 4-H recognizes youth recipients of the ‘I Dare You’ award
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County announced this week the recipients of the 2025 Kankakee ‘I Dare You’ award. “The Kankakee County ‘I Dare You’ award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and character in 4-H and the...
Local 4-H program recognizes accomplished individuals with local Alumni awards
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have announced the recipients of the 2025 4-H Alumni Award.  This award recognizes individuals who were previously in 4-H and whose contributions to society exemplify effective...
Will County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
JOLIET, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Will County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “At the end of the year, we want to take time to recognize 4-H members and volunteers for their outstanding contributions during the past 4-H...

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