Join in on ginger: Attend a ginger rhizome production field day at local farms
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois specialty growers can diversify their crop offerings and expand their businesses through the cultivation of fresh ginger. Fresh (i.e., baby) ginger is a premium product, often retailing up to $20-25/lb. Ginger is harvested towards the end of the growing season,...
4-H Master Showmanship stars shine at 2025 Illinois State Fair
Springfield, Ill. —The 25th Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest took place on Friday, Aug. 8, , drawing talented 4-H members ages 14 to 18 who had already earned their spots by winning county-level competitions. Hosted in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau, the...
2025 Woodford County 4-H show results
EUREKA, Ill. – Another 4-H show is in the books! The Woodford County 4-H team is thrilled to share results and wish congratulations to all our youth who worked so hard with their projects! We also want to encourage everyone to join us in 4-H this fall! The 4-H New Year is right around the corner...
Get ready for Nature Trails Day—A family adventure in the great outdoors!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A family day outside filled with guided hikes and hands-on activities for kids and adults, what could be better? Nature Trails Day is right around the corner, and now is the time to register and select what activities your family wants to explore! Hosted by the University of...
Stay active with Diabetes Clinic
PONTIAC, Ill. — Discover how staying active can be one of the most powerful tools in managing diabetes. This interactive presentation explores the connection between exercise and blood sugar control, offering participants practical strategies for building movement into daily life—no gym required...
Take healthy steps toward foot care with Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. — Do you want to learn essential foot care tips and techniques to prevent complications and maintain mobility? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith and guest speaker, Samantha Leverton, APN, to get expert advice, practical strategies, and peer...
Buzz Into Fun at Pollinator Palooza, August 2!
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles are vital to our world—they’re responsible for nearly a third of the food we consume and support the growth of more than 80% of flowering plants each year. Their role is crucial not only in sustaining ecosystems but in supporting human...
Discover tools to help caregivers manage aging-related demands
URBANA, Ill. — Caregivers in long-term care settings face growing challenges as they support aging populations with complex physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. From managing dementia-related behaviors to addressing social isolation and limited resources, the challenges can be...
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...
