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...
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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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...
