Welcome summer with the Master Naturalists’ outdoor education opportunities at COMLARA
Bloomington Ill. – The trees are starting to bloom, and the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are eager to be back in nature, enjoying the warm weather again and sharing their knowledge about the great outdoors. This summer, Master Naturalists are continuing to expand...
Jenna Smith named 2025 winner of McLean County Public Health Award
Bloomington, IL – Jenna Smith, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the U of I Extension Office in Bloomington, has been named the winner of the 2025 McLean County Public Health Award. Smith was presented with the award on April 9th at an awards ceremony at McLean County Health...
National leadership summit ignites teen career readiness, skills
Washington, D.C. – Twenty-six teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place March 13-17 in Washington, D.C.The Ignite by 4-H Summit is a four-day...
Owls of Illinois programming continues to grow
Livingston County is home to small towns with strong community ties, as well as hidden treasures owned by the Prairie Lands Foundation. The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists, in partnership with the Prairie Lands Foundation, strives to help the community experience the beauty...
Commerce Parkway Closure and Access to University of Illinois Extension Office
Bloomington, Ill. — The City of Bloomington announces the partial closure of Commerce Parkway, which will impact access to the University of Illinois Extension Office at 1615 Commerce Parkway.Closure Details:Start Date: Monday, March 10,...
Understanding poverty through immersive simulation
PONTIAC, Ill. – According to data from the United States Census Bureau, 11.1% of the population in Livingston County is living in poverty. Poverty is not just a concept—it’s a daily reality for many. True understanding requires more than empathy; it demands firsthand experience....
ACES experts provide testimony in support of USDA funding, Farm Bill
URBANA, Ill. — Yesterday, faculty from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign spoke as invited witnesses to an Illinois House Agriculture and...
Marvel the total lunar eclipse with Star Lab
Bloomington, Ill. – A total lunar eclipse is a spectacular celestial event that occurs every few years. During a lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, and the Earth prevents the sun’s light from reaching the moon. As a result, the moon takes on a reddish hue. To get excited for...
From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...
Dig into learning at a day in the garden patch
PONTIAC, Ill. – Gardening can be a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment in your own backyard. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about watching plants grow, whether it’s for the beautification of a space, growing your own food, or simply...
Mastering equine judging: Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest results announced
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois demonstrated their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 2 in Galva, Illinois. Participants evaluated six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youth 14 years and older also competing in the...
Advance local impact with Watershed Stewards
Bloomington Ill. – Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is tied to the...
Illinois 4-H expands shooting sports expertise with newly certified coordinators
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois 4-H has recently certified eight staff members as Level I 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. These individuals completed in a three-session professional development series, paving the way for future opportunities in 4-H Shooting Sports programming....
Fruit tree pruning event at PrairiErth Farm
Atlanta Ill., Nick Frillman, a Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator with the Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator team, will be hosting a tree fruit pruning workshop at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta, Illinois. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00...
Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual...
Swap seeds at Woodford community event
WOODFORD Ill. – The cold and snowy days have arrived, making it the perfect time to dream about how your yard or garden might look this coming summer. Cultivating native plants that naturally thrive in our region offers numerous advantages. Once established, these plants...
Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...
