Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Fly on over to the Butterfly Festival on June 1
This summer, our Illinois backyards and gardens will play host to over 150 distinct butterfly species. Among them reigns the monarch, cherished as Illinois' state butterfly. Embrace the enchantment of these delicate creatures and discover ways to nurture their habitats for continued...
Becoming a Master Naturalist
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Do you find yourself deeply enjoying the outdoors, bird watching, growing native plants, or wishing you knew more about sustainability? This fall the University of Illinois Extension serving McLean, Livingston, and Woodford counties, will be offering...
Energy & Our Environment for Youth
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Calling all young environmental enthusiasts! The University of Illinois Extension Office in McLean County is thrilled to announce Energy & Our Environment, a captivating three-day summer program tailored for ages 9 to 13, focused on the fascinating...
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide.
Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge, passion for horses in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Certified Food Protection Manager Course coming to Eureka
EUREKA, 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....
Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. – Want to learn how to maintain a healthy and beautiful looking smile? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn how diabetes and nutrition impact oral health and the important steps you should take with your diabetes...
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.
“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Diabetes Clinic is going back to the basics with Diet
EUREKA, Ill. – Following a healthy meal plan can help keep blood sugars under control. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for years, it’s time to get back to the basics! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to review what carbohydrates are...
Grow and give back through the Giving Garden program
Bloomington, IL – Healthy communities grow with community support. Let the harvest of your garden contribute to the health of your community this summer. Offering garden vegetables is a source of food that ensures a neighbor facing food insecurity has access to fresh produce. An arrangement of...
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.
Various...
Determining cash rent on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices across the state is, what is the going rate for cash rent for farmland?
Cash rent rates are a common yet recurring question that is...
4-H youth honored for leadership, career achievements
Urbana, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways
Washington, D.C.. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 13-17 in Washington D.C.
Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and...
New Extension environmental educator takes root in central Illinois
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — When it comes to coexisting with nature, the solutions aren’t always straightforward. What do you do if your native plant landscaping attracts a family of groundhogs? How do you work with your neighbors to remove encroaching invasive species? Where can you go in town to find...
Exploring New Frontiers: Uniting 4-H and Space as We Explore the Phenomena of a Solar Eclipse
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Are you prepared for the upcoming total solar eclipse? Solar eclipses are an amazing time to learn more about the sun, moon, earth, and the paths they take as they orbit around each other. Join us at Clovers in Space: Solar Eclipse Edition where you’ll get to...
