Rain Garden Workshop Brings Hands On Learning and Lasting Impact to Macomb
Macomb, IL — Over three days, community members rolled up their sleeves. They explored the science, design, and installation of rain gardens in a hands‑on workshop led by University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Chris Enroth. The Rainscaping...
On target: The Mohr siblings shine at the 4 H State Archery Shoot
Pekin, IL-The State 4-H Archery Competition was held in Pekin on September 19. One family of archers arrived with quiet confidence, steady nerves, and years of practice. By the end of the day, they had become the story everyone was talking about.Isaac, Ethan, and Audrey...
Native Seed Share Set to Bring Community Together for Fall Seed Exchange
The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists invite community members, gardeners, and native habitat enthusiasts to the Native Seed Share on October 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM. This welcoming, hands‑on event offers participants the chance...
Interactive art in nature celebration glows with spirit of sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — The costume Eliana Brown wore to last year’s Illuminating Art in Nature event created one of many memorable moments.“I was a swallowtail butterfly, which is a pollinator our garden supports, complete with...
Learn what research says about everyday health challenges
URBANA, Ill. — With health information available at the click of a button, finding trustworthy, evidence-based resources can be challenging. As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, access to accurate health guidance is increasingly important. In response, educators,...
New Sunflower Showmanship brings livestock exhibit experience to more youth
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H was honored to partner with Special Olympics of Illinois - Region H, the Illinois State Fair, and Illinois FFA to expand access to participation in livestock shows during the 2026 Illinois State Fair. In the new Sunflower Showmanship program, Special Olympics...
Sunflower Showmanship Contest Shines at the Illinois State Fair
Springfield, IL-On August 15, youth of all ages and abilities took center stage at the Illinois State Fair Coliseum. In the first-ever Sunflower Show, modeled after the No Limits Livestock Shows, Special Olympics Athletes were paired with a volunteer mentor to introduce them to...
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...
Gregg family recognized with 2026 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Gregg family’s 4-H story began more than 70 years ago when Virgil and Edith Gregg organized 4-H clubs in Shelby County and inspired generations of young people to learn and lead. Today, four generations and 17 family members have contributed more...
Illinois 4-H alumni honored for exemplary achievements and service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni were honored during the Illinois State Fair for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to the Illinois 4-H...
Prairie Restoration Partnership Launches in Macomb
Illinois Department of Transportation and University of Illinois Extension Begin Multi‑Year Habitat ProjectMACOMB, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and University of Illinois Extension have announced a new partnership to...
West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist Program Offers Native Tree and Shrub Sale
QUINCY, Ill. — Fall offers favorable conditions for establishing trees and shrubs, and local residents will have an opportunity to add native species to their landscapes through the West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist program’s second Illinois Native Tree and Shrub Sale...
Dr. John Schar named as the Henderson County Inductee to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
University of Illinois Extension and Henderson County 4-H are proud to recognize the induction of Dr. John Schar into the Illinois 4‑H Hall of Fame for his decades of service, leadership, and commitment to youth and agriculture in Henderson County.An important member of the local...
Illinois 4-H youth compete in 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award contest
The 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award program and state 4-H dairy judging contest were held Aug. 22 at the Illinois State Fair. Fourteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois participated in the SYDPA program, and 41 youth competed in the dairy judging contest.The purpose...
4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...
