U of I Extension, Rader Farms to host pumpkin smash & composting event to help fight climate change
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Halloween night may be filled with frights, but garbage day is where the real horror lurks. Discarded by the 1,000s, decaying jack-o-lanterns and rotting pumpkins are hauled off to landfills by the truckload. Every year, masses of orange flesh pile-up and break-down in our...
Livingston County Master Gardener receives state awards
PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate Livingston County Master Gardener, Diana McGuckin, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony...
McLean County Master Gardeners receive state award
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate McLean County Master Gardener, Julie Murphy, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on Friday,...
Youth put archery skill mastery to the test
PEKIN, Ill. — Illinois youth gathered at a statewide competition on Sept. 16 to put their skill mastery in archery to the test. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun.
“I know at first it appears odd to have...
McLean County youth named national award winner
WASHINGTON, DC — National 4-H Council today announced the winners of the 2024 Youth In Action Awards, a national program sponsored by Bayer that recognizes four diverse young leaders who have made a positive impact in their communities. McLean County 4-H youth, Avani Rai, 17, was named a...
Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
URBANA, Ill. — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers...
What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...
Take steps to build a strong foundation for diabetes care
URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers...
Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing.
Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...
Focus on safety to prevent accidents during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season is beginning across the state, and for farmers, this means early mornings, long days, and the potential for exhaustion that can lead to accidents.
University of Illinois Extension Specialist and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Assistant...
Extension offers certified food protection manager course at Heartland
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. University of Illinois Extension offers the Food Protection Manager Certification course and examination, which is required every 5 years. University of...
Walk on over to raise hunger awareness
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. –The public is invited to walk, run, or ride in the first inaugural McLean County Hunger Walk on Saturday, September 16 at Tipton Trails in Bloomington to raise awareness of food insecurity. The free event is presented by the McLean County Health Community Council in...
There's an App for That-Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. – Technology continues to advance in the field of medicine. Join University of Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Jenna Smith and special guest, Clinical Dietitian and Diabetes Educator at Carle Eureka Hospital, Jodi Upchurch, to learn about some of the newer...
Wet noses, wagging tails, friendly competition greet 4-H dog exhibitors
DIXON, Ill. — It was a day filled with wet noses and wagging tails as more than 150 dog owners competed for championship honors in the 2023 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 26 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Dog facility in Dixon.
4-H members who excel in the 4-H dog project are...
Take a hike and much more at Nature Trails Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Comlara Park at Evergreen Lake will be the setting for this year’s annual Nature Trails Day on Saturday, September 16 from 10AM. to 1:00PM. The event is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program and its volunteers and is free...
Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
Fermentation class coming to downtown Bloomington
Fermentation class coming to downtown Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Have you ever heard of lacto-fermentation? It may sound unusual, but it sure is tasty! University of Illinois Extension educators, Jenna Smith and Nick Frillman are...