News Releases

Forest with stars
Meteor Watch Party
For Release: 7-11-24Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Fugate Woods! The University of...
Funk Farms Offices
College of ACES celebrates Funk Farm's bicentennial
URBANA, Ill. — The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will take part in the 200th-anniversary celebration of Funk Farms, one of the oldest and most...
High senior individuals pose with banners.
Youth master essential skills through livestock judging competition
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a...
Arthritis
Improve your joint health with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, IL. – Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of the joints, which leads to pain and stiffness that typically worsen with age. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn how certain lifestyle changes could help improve your...
Teen leaders gaze at House floor.
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
Springfield, IL – Nearly 40 Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb. 7 and 8, and May 16 and 17. 4-H Legislative...
Jam
Hands-On Canning class coming to Bloomington-Normal
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether you’re a first-time canner or a canning veteran looking to brush up on your skills, “Learn to Can: Jellies and Jam” is the perfect class for you. Taught by University of Illinois Extension educator, Jenna Smith, this class will meet on June 8 from 9...
Winners pose with ribbons.
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Butterfly
Fly on over to the Butterfly Festival on June 1
 This summer, our Illinois backyards and gardens will play host to over 150 distinct butterfly species. Among them reigns the monarch, cherished as Illinois' state butterfly. Embrace the enchantment of these delicate creatures and discover ways to nurture their habitats for continued...
prairie
Becoming a Master Naturalist
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Do you find yourself deeply enjoying the outdoors, bird watching, growing native plants, or wishing you knew more about sustainability?  This fall the University of Illinois Extension serving McLean, Livingston, and Woodford counties, will be offering...
Light bulb
Energy & Our Environment for Youth
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Calling all young environmental enthusiasts! The University of Illinois Extension Office in McLean County is thrilled to announce Energy & Our Environment, a captivating three-day summer program tailored for ages 9 to 13, focused on the fascinating...
Winners pose by a backdrop.
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –  4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Person driving a tractor without a cab on a rural road.
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide. Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...