Learn about seed starting and saving with Illinois Master Gardeners
OTTAWA, Ill. – It’s never too early to start planning for the growing season! Learn the basics of seed starting and seed saving on February 26, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Reddick Public Library (1010 Canal St, Ottawa, IL 61350).Participants will learn practical techniques...
Get a jumpstart on the growing season with Illinois Master Gardeners
PERU, Ill. – Gardeners eager to get a head start on the growing season are invited to attend the University of Illinois Extension’s Grow Light Workshop on February 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Peru Public Library (1409 11th St, Peru, IL 61354).This hands-on program led by...
Discover Illinois’ prehistoric past at Fossil Identification Workshop
OTTAWA, Ill. – Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of fossils found right here in Illinois! University of Illinois Extension invites fossil enthusiasts of all experience levels to a hands-on Fossil Identification Workshop on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p...
Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...
Learn about Illinois’ reptiles with Master Naturalists at the Utica Library
UTICA, Ill. – Illinois is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles, from sleek snakes to hardy turtles, and many of them can be found right in our own backyards. Join us on February 5, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Utica Public Library (224 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373) for Scales &...
Upcoming Putnam County library program to highlight Illinois Centennial Soil Archive Project
GRANVILLE, Ill. – Ever wonder how our soil has changed over the last 100 years? Discover the incredible story behind the University of Illinois Soil Lab's Centennial Soil Archive Project. A key piece of Illinois' agricultural heritage is a world-class, one-of-a-kind soil sample...
Let it Dough, Make and Take Bread Workshop
OGLESBY, Ill. - Join Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator Susan Glassman and learn the art of breadmaking. Proof the yeast, mix the dough, knead, let rise, and bake till done in our annual bread workshop. Participants will learn to make and bake a classic coffee cake and a lower-...
Start native seeds outdoors this winter with Illinois Master Gardeners
OGLESBY, Ill. – Looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add native plants to your home garden? Join Illinois Master Gardeners for our Winter Sowing Natives Workshop on January 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) and learn how to start...
Ready, Set, Fly into the Future! Beyond Ready to Fly!
PRINCETON, Ill.- The new 4-H Drone Clubs in Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties are taking flight! Thanks to a generous grant from Compeer Financial, our 4-H team was able to purchase three drone kits and launch an exciting learning adventure for more than 25 youth...
Northbrook Middle School Students Raise $850 for Local Food Pantry
MENDOTA, Ill. - Seventh and eighth-grade students at Northbrook Middle School in Mendota are stepping up to address food insecurity in their communities through the 4-H Food Action Academy. The 4-H Food Action Academy is a curriculum designed to help youth understand how food...
University of Illinois Extension announces winter conservation series for farmers and landowners
OGLESBY, Ill. – Conservation practices are essential for sustaining Illinois agriculture, protecting natural resources, and improving farm profitability. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers and landowners to a five-part educational series focused on conservation practices that...
Pesticide applicator tests to be offered in winter 2026
OGLESBY, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is offering the following testing-only sessions and certification program for...
Oglesby Agronomy Summit provides knowledge for on-farm success
OGLESBY, Ill. – Discover how biologicals, pesticides, and climate are shaping the future of agriculture at the Illinois Extension Agronomy Summit, hosted at Illinois Valley Community College. This year’...
Master Naturalists provide critical data on local frog and toad populations
OTTAWA, Ill. – The Calling Frog Survey is a citizen science project that invites community members to learn how to identify frog calls and contribute valuable data to amphibian conservation efforts. Before the Calling Frog Survey began, little was known about the distribution and status of...
Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...
Next-gen leaders: Illinois 4-H teens selected for national summit delegation
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud to announce the state’s delegation of 26 teen leaders selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place Mar. 25 - 29 in Washington, D.C. This premier national event brings together high school-aged youth from across the...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H Celebrates Achievements at Annual Awards Ceremony
HENRY, Ill. –The Marshall-Putnam University of Illinois Extension recently recognized outstanding achievements by 4-H members across Marshall and Putnam counties during an award ceremony held on Sunday, November 3, 2025, at the Henry Presbyterian Church. This event highlighted the...
Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
