Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact

Announcements and Highlights

Wild plum tress in bloom.

McDonough County Conservation Tours

Ever wonder how certain places feel so magical? The McDonough County Conservation Tours offer a chance to learn the hands‑on practices to make your own property healthy and beautiful.

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Wits Fitness

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

A yellow post-it note with the words Henderson County Mitigation Survey.

Henderson County Mitigation Plan Survey

“What matters most to you when disaster strikes? Henderson County planners need your input. Share your priorities in this quick 5‑minute survey and help guide our mitigation efforts.”

Information You Can Count On

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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.
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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.

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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
Recent News
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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...
A large lecture room filled with people listening to a gardening presentation.
Community Turns Out for 28th Annual Gardener’s Day in Macomb
Macomb, IL — The 28th Annual Gardener’s Day brought together nearly 100 gardening enthusiasts on March 28, 2026, at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension and the McDonough County Master Gardeners, the daylong event offered...
The five 4-H youth winners of the public speaking contest.
Local 4-H Youth Advance to State Public Speaking Contest
Galesburg, IL — The University of Illinois Extension is proud to announce that several outstanding 4‑H members from Knox and McDonough counties have advanced to the Illinois 4‑H State Public Speaking Contest, taking place April 25, 2026, at...
Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...

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