Events

State 4-H Horse Bowl, Horse Speaking, and Hippology Contests

Registration is open!

The 2026 State Horse Contest dates are set!  Contest rules and entry information are now available on the State 4-H website.  

The 4-H state horse judging…

Livestock Learn and Fun Day

Livestock Learn and Fun Day is a fun-filled day of hands-on experience learning about various species of livestock! Youth will explore a variety of animals while learning simple skills like caring…

YQCA In Person Training

LIVESTOCK ETHICS REQUIREMENTS: 

All 4-H exhibitors of Beef, Dairy, Goats, Sheep, and Swine animals will be required to certify in the YQCA program yearly for the show season. (NOTE:…

Motivation Monday: Diabetes at the Y

Understanding how food impacts blood sugar can increase your confidence to manage diabetes day-to-day. Join Illinois Extension for educational sessions to strengthen your knowledge and skills.…

Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Herbs

Would you like to grow your own fresh produce? 

Are you new to gardening or an experienced pro? Do you want to learn more about the crops we can grow in our backyards? 

Join…

Nature Explorers SPIN Club: Lowden Miller State Forest

Give your child the chance to unplug, explore, and connect with nature through our Nature Explorers SPIN Club! Designed for youth ages 8–18, this hands-on experience encourages curiosity,…

Ready & Resilient : Practical Climate Strategies for Illinois Municipalities

Illinois communities are already seeing the effects of a changing climate—heavier rains, more frequent flooding, hotter summers, shifting seasons, and added strain on local infrastructure. To help…

From Backyards to Boardrooms: Building Community Led Climate Resilience at Every Scale

This 90‑minute interactive workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Lake County and led by Jessica Rudnick, PhD, helps Illinois residents make sense of what climate change means for our…

Business Succession for a Strong Rural Community: Worker Co‑ops as a Transition Strategy

Learn how worker cooperatives offer a practical, built-in solution to rural business succession.

Rural communities across the country are facing a growing succession crisis as long‑time business…

From Peel to Plate

Fun fact: April is Winning at Reducing Food Waste Month!

Learn how to make the most of the food you bring home. This class looks at simple ways to cut food waste, store foods safely, and…