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...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
Empowering Early Childhood Providers Through the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Lake and McHenry Counties —A new professional development opportunity is being offered to Illinois early childhood educators, focusing on strengthening both classroom practice and provider well‑being. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness for Early Childcare Providers is a 1...
Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...
Lake County welcomes first class of Master Naturalists
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension officially launched the Master Naturalist program in Lake County in 2025, with 24 individuals completing the classroom portion of their training in the fall. Over the course of 12 weeks, trainees...
McHenry County Agronomy Update Spotlights Disease Pressures and Weed Resistance
WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension brought together producers, agribusiness professionals, and Certified Crop Advisers on February 18 for the annual McHenry County Agronomy Update, a program focused on the challenges farmers are likely to face in the 2026...
Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...
4-H Youth Invited to Showcase Their Skills in Upcoming Public Speaking Contests
Grayslake and Woodstock, Ill. — Young voices from across Northeastern Illinois will soon take center stage as 4-H members prepare to showcase their communication talents at upcoming 4-H Public Speaking Contests. Designed to help youth build confidence, strengthen presentation...
Little Roots 2026 4‑H Cloverbud Gardening Project Opens Registration for Young Gardeners
LAKE and MCHENRY COUNTIES — Families with young children are invited to dig into a summer of hands‑on learning as the Little Roots 4‑H Cloverbud Gardening Project opens registration for the 2026 season. Designed for children ages 5–7, this engaging program introduces budding gardeners...
McHenry County Agronomy Update Scheduled for February 18, 2026
Woodstock, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension will host the McHenry County Agronomy Update on February 18, 2026, providing producers, agribusiness professionals, and Certified Crop Advisers with timely insights on crop disease trends, weed...
Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...
Illinois 4-H team earns strong finish at national poultry and egg conference
URBANA, Ill. — An Illinois 4-H team earned top honors while competing in the Poultry Judging Contest at the 2025 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The four-member team placed 11th overall among 24 states competing in the contest....
