Marvel the total lunar eclipse with Star Lab
Bloomington, Ill. – A total lunar eclipse is a spectacular celestial event that occurs every few years. During a lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, and the Earth prevents the sun’s light from reaching the moon. As a result, the moon takes on a reddish hue. To get excited for...
From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...
Dig into learning at a day in the garden patch
PONTIAC, Ill. – Gardening can be a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment in your own backyard. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about watching plants grow, whether it’s for the beautification of a space, growing your own food, or simply...
Mastering equine judging: Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest results announced
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois demonstrated their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 2 in Galva, Illinois. Participants evaluated six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youth 14 years and older also competing in the...
Advance local impact with Watershed Stewards
Bloomington Ill. – Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is tied to the...
Illinois 4-H expands shooting sports expertise with newly certified coordinators
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois 4-H has recently certified eight staff members as Level I 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. These individuals completed in a three-session professional development series, paving the way for future opportunities in 4-H Shooting Sports programming....
Fruit tree pruning event at PrairiErth Farm
Atlanta Ill., Nick Frillman, a Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator with the Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator team, will be hosting a tree fruit pruning workshop at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta, Illinois. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00...
Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual...
Swap seeds at Woodford community event
WOODFORD Ill. – The cold and snowy days have arrived, making it the perfect time to dream about how your yard or garden might look this coming summer. Cultivating native plants that naturally thrive in our region offers numerous advantages. Once established, these plants...
Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...
Register NOW for Home, Lawn, and Garden Day—a day of gardening, fun and learning!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Although snow may still be on the ground, garden season is just around the corner! If you’re eager to explore new plants, learn fresh techniques, or tackle your gardening challenges, don’t miss the University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners’ 23rd...
Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics
URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program...
Illinois Deer Donation Program evolves to Hunters Feeding Illinois to combat hunger
URBANA, Ill. — In response to rising food and meat prices and food pantries' difficulties obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension and key partners launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This initiative initially covered 12 counties and has combated food insecurity by...
4-H Livestock Skillathon prepares youth for careers in animal agriculture
Urbana, Ill. – Sixty 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer and fall. ...
Illinois 4-H members showcase talents at 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four Illinois 4-H members represented Illinois 4-H at the 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield Nov. 1-2. Their short films were selected among submissions from 21 countries, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young filmmakers. Only...
Owl Prowl draws the crowd to wrap up 2024
Fairbury, Ill. – Fugate Woods Nature Preserve in Livingston County served as the host site for numerous educational events throughout 2024 and concluded the season on November 2 with Night Owl Prowl. This was the seventh event of the year led by University of Illinois...
