Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact

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Announcements and Highlights

Green up Halloween by recycling pumpkins into compost at a free, outdoor Pumpkin Smash offered from: 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Nov. 8 at Veterans Park in Macomb.

Wits Fitness

Feeling a little foggy lately? You're not alone—and there’s something you can do about it. Join University of Illinois Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley for a fun, interactive session designed to clear the mental cobwebs.

Diabetes 101

Sometimes people with diabetes may not fully understand how it impacts their health. This session will provide the tools to explain diabetes in a clear, accessible, and meaningful way. Learn about the different types of diabetes, common signs and symptoms

Information You Can Count On

Community Food Map

Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons.

Insights from the Field: Read Our Educator Blogs

Curious about what’s growing in our gardens, changing in our communities, or trending in youth development? Our educators share their expertise, stories, and practical tips through regularly updated blogs.

Your Toughest Questions, Answered

Have a question on a plant, tree, or insect? Our horticulture experts will share their advice and solutions to your toughest problems.

Upcoming Events

Perceptions of Digital Health Technology

October 29, 2025

Diabetes 101

October 30, 2025

Fall Community Tree Planting Workshop | Macomb

November 1, 2025

4-H Building Bricks Challenge Series: November Challenge

November 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025

More Events

Recent News

Wild ginger plant grows beneath a red oak tree.

October 29, 2025

Extension advances community-led Mattoon water quality solutions with Lumpkin Foundation Grant
MATOON, Ill. — The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community...

October 27, 2025

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

A field overtaken by the invasive plant Sericea lespedeza

October 24, 2025

Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...

Team members pose with banners and ribbons.

October 23, 2025

Champaign County 4-H wins national livestock judging contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Champaign County 4-H Livestock Judging Team claimed first place at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest held Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., earning an invitation to represent the United States at the International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland in the summer of...

October 22, 2025

Learn latest agricultural research from Illinois Extension experts at Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research impacting farms today while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show,...

More News Releases

Local Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development