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...
Money management strategies to help young adults achieve financial wellness
College can be an exciting time of self-discovery and growth, but it's also a time to face new financial challenges that produce anxiety and stress. To manage this, it's best to start early to build good financial habits that will ensure a solid future, learn how to make the most of financial...
Learn to read labels for allergens with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. – Need help reading nutrition labels for hidden allergens? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn how to read labels, identify hidden allergens, and the difference between an allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance. This program will...
The pickle obsession that is sweeping the nation
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – “If you haven’t noticed, we are in the midst of a pickle obsession,” says Jenna Smith, University of Illinois Extension registered dietitian and nutrition and wellness educator. Pickled flavored products are sweeping the nation, including pickle potato chips,...
Unity Community Center expands food offerings – and contributes to science
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Supplying community members of north Normal with produce for nearly ten years, the Unity Community Center production garden – a program of University of Illinois Extension – will soon offer a culturally relevant food to fresh produce recipients – ginger root.
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Illinois 4-H State Shoots now more affordable, thanks to new sponsorship
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is proud to announce a new sponsor for their upcoming 4-H State Shooting Sports contests this fall. Illinois Ducks Unlimited has made a substantial financial contribution to...
How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber...
5% acidity vinegar is key to safe canning
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a long list of home canned foods that use vinegar as an ingredient, including salsa, pickled vegetables, barbeque sauce, and preserved fruits like apple butter and cantaloupe pickles, as well as canned tomatoes as an acidifier. The vinegar increases acidity, thus lowering...
Youth national shooting sports competition empowers youth through self-discipline, goal-setting
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Thirteen Illinois 4-H participants recently showcased their specific shooting skills and sportsmanship at the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Neb., June 25 through June 30. This long running annual event attracted a record number of 718 youth...
Vegetable Share at Heartline community room in Eureka
EUREKA, Ill. – While some of us are experiencing harvest baskets overflowing with ripe garden produce, others do not have the space or tools to grow a garden of fresh vegetables. With baskets overflowing, it is time, once again, to share the harvest with our neighbors and celebrate Woodford...
Build knowledge of environment, natural resources with summer series
URBANA, Ill. — Summertime is the perfect time for adventure, exploration, and education on nature-related topics. The Everyday Environment series from University of Illinois Extension explores natural resources and...
Stakeholder feedback welcome as Illinois Extension embarks on strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs were established in 1914 as part of the national Smith-Lever Act, which empowered the country’s land-grant universities in the creation of the useful and practical...
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
Asking for help just got easier with no-cost mental health access for agricultural community
URBANA, Ill. — Farming is stressful, and the Illinois agriculture community faces unique challenges every day that take a toll on mental health. A new program from University of Illinois Extension gives farmers and their families access to professional mental health care for free.
The...
Dig into Master Gardener training this fall!
Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties- For 47 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 grow.
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