Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact

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Announcements and Highlights

Conservation Tours

Want to make your outdoor home feel like magic? The Conservation Tours offer a chance to learn the hands‑on practices to make your own property healthy and beautiful.

Wits Fitness

Stay sharp, stay curious, stay Wits Fits — Come for the brain workout, stay for the FUN!

McDonough County 4-H Barbecue

Fire up your appetite and support local 4‑H youth at the McDonough County 4‑H Barbecue on May 1!

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

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

April 21, 2026

State 4-H: The Art of Coping

April 22, 2026

State 4-H Public Speaking Contest

April 25, 2026

Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest

April 27, 2026

More Events

Recent News

A pair of hands holding a digital brain with a cloud of activity around it.

April 21, 2026

Wits Fitness Returns for Summer Sessions in Galesburg and Macomb
Wits Fitness, a popular brain health program designed for adults of all ages, is back for the summer with in-person sessions offered in both Galesburg and Macomb. This research‑supported program provides a fun, engaging approach to lifelong cognitive wellness...

Winning scholarship youth pose with a certificate.

April 20, 2026

4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...

Two people working together to prune a small shrub

April 16, 2026

Illinois Extension specialty crop expert’s legacy built on grower trust
URBANA, Ill. — When something feels off with a specialty crop like peaches, apples, or horseradish, one phone number growers may have on speed dial is Elizabeth Wahle. Since 2002, Wahle has been with...

Youth in green shirts plant trees in a field.

April 9, 2026

4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...

April 7, 2026

Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...

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Local Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development