Future agricultural leaders shine at 2025 Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2025 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 16. Instead of leading animals, these young members acted as judges, evaluating groupings of cattle,...
High impact University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed programs face elimination
URBANA, Ill. — There are many barriers Illinois residents face in making healthy choices. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs have helped people stretch their food dollars while increasing their nutrition...
Lower your cooking cost with Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. — Learn to prepare nutritious, delicious meals on a budget! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith to receive cost-saving tips, budget-friendly recipes, and meal-planning strategies to make affordable cooking easy and accessible. The Diabetes...
Youth culinary event builds confidence, teamwork
Decatur, Ill. -- The Illinois 4-H Food Challenge hosted its second culminating statewide event on June 14, bringing together talented young chefs from across the state to showcase their culinary skills. This program is designed to help youth develop expertise in...
Gaze upon the night sky at the 3rd Annual Meteor Shower Watch Party
FAIRBURY, Ill. — Summer nights are my absolute favorite. From running around in grass fields and seeing lightning bugs to the sounds of crickets and cicadas, summer nights hold such warmth and beauty in the natural world. As the day quiets down, the stars come out, and that too leaves me in awe...
Petals & Poses: A yoga and sensory walk experience at Yost House
PONTIAC, Ill. — A garden is a magical place. It offers a natural escape from the stresses of daily life, encouraging mindfulness, movement, and a deep connection to the earth. In every leaf, bloom, and harvest, the garden reminds us to slow down, breathe, and embrace the healing power of nature...
Show your Livingston County pride at the 4-H Show
PONTIAC, Ill. — In a changing world, 4-H shows are an enduring community tradition. Supporting the 4-H show through your participation, volunteering, and attendance can be an impactful way to celebrate youth achievement and connect with others. The Livingston County 4-H Show at the Livingston...
Support a local legacy at the Woodford County 4-H Show
EUREKA, Ill. — In a changing world, 4-H shows are an enduring community tradition. Supporting the 4-H show through your participation, volunteering, and attendance can be an impactful way to celebrate youth achievement and connect with others. The Woodford 4-H Show from July 21 through 24 at the...
New building for University of Illinois Extension Woodford office
EUREKA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension serving Woodford County announces that they have moved to a new office at 1201 S. Main Street, Eureka, IL.The Woodford County Extension staff opened up the doors to their new office on Monday, June 2. The office hours continue to be Monday...
Celebrate National Pollinator Week in your container garden and beyond
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Pollinators are struggling, but they play a huge role in our everyday lives. Bees, butterflies, and other tiny pollinators help produce about one-third of the food we eat and keep over 80% of flowering plants thriving. They’re essential not just for nature, but for people too...
Sip, Savor, and Grow at the Mocktails & Mini Gardens: an herb garden experience workshop
NORMAL, Ill. — Herbs bring both beauty and versatility to the garden, offering stunning textures, scents, and colors. Beyond enhancing flower beds and patio gardens, they shine in the kitchen, especially in summer mocktails! Their fragrant leaves and delicate blooms pair perfectly with fresh...
Power up with breakfast at Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. — Start your day with a balanced breakfast to help manage diabetes. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith, and take home easy-to-make recipes, while connecting with others on the same journey toward better health. We’ll discuss strategies for...
Discover, learn, and inspire as a Master Naturalist
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — For some, there comes a great joy when you hear a child excitedly say, “Look at this cool bug!” or when an adult asks, “How can I care for wildlife in my backyard?” If you, too, experience this joy when out in nature, find pleasure in learning and educating others about the...
Dig into Master Gardener training this fall!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — For 50 years University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to...
Boost your brainpower with Wits Workout at the Eureka Public Library
EUREKA, Ill. — In 2025, University of Illinois Extension is launching a monthly program at the Eureka Public Library aimed at supporting brain health and social connection among older adults. The Wits Workout series, developed by University of Illinois Extension specialists,...
Young Illinois 4-H members inspire at statewide public speaking contest
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...
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
Stress Less, Smile More at the 2025 Diabetes Clinics
EUREKA, Ill. — Mindfulness is a wonderful addition to your self-care routine. In this session, we'll introduce you to the concept of mindfulness and share simple techniques to help you reduce stress and find calm in your daily life. You'll have the opportunity to create your very own mindfulness...
Enhance your container garden with the Rooted in Nature workshop
PONTIAC, Ill. — Native plants offer a variety of benefits for our gardens—from supporting the local ecosystem to thriving in the regional climate and providing essential food and habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects. While many gardeners have already begun incorporating these natural...
