Youth fishing program gets kids off screens, into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – In the past year, screen time has increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing have gone remote. Illinois 4-H has developed a new outdoor curriculum for junior-high age youth focused on getting kids spending time outside and enjoying the proven benefits...
Grants give opportunity to add Agriculture to McLean County Classrooms
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Agriculture is an industry worth celebrating and McLean County Chamber of Commerce does that through their annual Agriculture Awareness Breakfast. The event allows University of Illinois Extension and McLean County 4-H the opportunity to celebrate teachers and students of our...
Bring office plants neglected during pandemic back to life
URBANA, Ill. – When people walked out of their workplaces last March, most did not think it would be months or even a year before they would come back.
As employees continue to return to in-person work, they might find themselves facing wilted and neglected office plants.
“...
Volunteers help youth feel welcomed, empowered in 4-H programming
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports relies heavily on adult volunteers taking the lead in the various disciplines, ultimately making the county program successful. Registration is open for two statewide Shooting Sports Leader Certification sessions on June 5 and July 24.
The...
Extension offices fill connectivity gaps
URBANA, Ill. –The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated what was already known about digital connectivity: millions of American don’t have access to high-speed internet; many of those are in rural communities.
Children attending daily virtual learning, coupled with adults working from home and...
Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers
URBANA, Ill. – For many teens, deciding where they want to attend college and what they may want to study is challenging. Some may even be the first in their family to attend college.
Illinois 4-H makes college and career exploration easier for...
Addressing racial injustice and disparities focus of new Illinois 4-H initiative
URBANA, Ill. – As the nation grappled with issues of social justice and racial equity, Illinois 4-H leadership intensified their commitment to understanding the experiences of staff, volunteers, and students in these specific areas. To create an...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales.
Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...
Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.
Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by University of...
Turfgrass, ornamentals pesticide applicator certification open online
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois pesticide applicators needing to complete the turfgrass and ornamentals category certifications can now access the online training courses to prepare for the exams. University of Illinois Extension is offering each course for $...
2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether it’s inspiration for future backyard projects or meeting a new must-have plant, for 19 years the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day has given Central Illinois gardeners the tools they need to grow.
This annual gardening conference will be 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., March...
Live happy, healthier, wealthier lives; Extension can help
URBANA, Ill. – We're never too young or too old to learn valuable lessons that keep us fit, healthy, happy, and financially sound. In a tradition which has lasted decades and adapted with the changing world environment, Lessons for Living are monthly workshops which provide easy-to-understand...