Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.  Learn...

4-H youth honored for career achievements, leadership
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...

Youth hone decision-making skills in state equine contest
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 18 at the Black Hawk College East Campus. In this contest, youth judge...

With a few seeds and a little space, gardeners feed the community
(Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties) – 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...

Foundation awards scholarships for 4-H excellence, mastery
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...

Illinois teen leaders chosen for first-of-its-kind national leadership summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nineteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit held March 9-12 in Washington D.C. Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected...

Manage diabetes with Extension’s “I on Diabetes” Series in Pontiac
Pontiac, Ill. – Taking care of our health is important. University of Illinois Extension invites you to their four-part “I on Diabetes” series this spring. The program, designed for anyone interested in preventing or managing diabetes, will take place on Fridays – April 21, April 28, May 5, and...

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 University of Illinois Extension for their monthly “Diabetes Clinic – Back to the Basics: Diet...

Gardeners’ Gathering: a morning of garden fun and learning!
EUREKA, Ill. – Spring is on its way, our gardens will be starting to show life soon, and many gardeners are ready to start digging and planting! University of Illinois Extension Woodford County Master Gardeners are hosting Gardeners’ Gathering on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the...

Unity Center recognized for community outreach
URBANA, Ill. – A Bloomington youth center received the University of Illinois Extension’s team award for excellence in diversity programming. The Excellence in Diversity Award recognizes teams that support diversity, pluralism, and innovation, building organizational change. The Unity...

Food brings greater understanding to international cultures
URBANA, Ill – A team of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educators flipped the traditional learning experience with an innovative outreach program that earned the University of Illinois Extension Excellence in Innovation Award. “Culture, Cuisine, Conversation” is a hands-on self-...

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. University of...

New location for Extension’s Diabetes Clinic on slow cooker meals
EUREKA, Ill. – Do you wish you used your slow cooker more often? Are you unsure of what foods you can create with it? Join University of Illinois Extension for their monthly “Diabetes Clinic – Using Your Slow Cooker” class from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 at a new location, Eureka...

Tips for entering the cottage food business
URBANA, Ill. — Last year, the Home-to-Market Act, a set of legislative updates to the Cottage Food Law, came into effect in Illinois. Before this legislation passed, food operators could only sell homemade foods...

Livingston County youth sets exciting goal for helping feed Illinois hungry families
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Illinois 4-H member Libby Larkin of Livingston County knows that hard work and dedication can make a lasting positive impact in local communities. The senior in high school is ready to take her advocacy work to the next level as she sets a goal to package 100,000 meals for...

Teens named to take on statewide leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Seven Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team. The team is comprised of 20...

Chick It Out Embryology with 4-H STEAM in the Classroom
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension McLean County STEAM in the Classroom’s Chick It Out Embryology Program is a long-standing tradition that successfully promotes agriculture in local schools and throughout the...

Register NOW for Home, Lawn, and Garden Day - a day of gardening fun and learning!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Be inspired to plant a pollinator garden or patio container, fall in love with a new plant at the garden centers this year, or even learn the basics of everyday gardening at the University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners’ 21st annual Home, Lawn, and...

Outstanding Illinois 4-H teens selected as national delegates
ATLANTA, GA -- Ten teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference in Atlanta, GA designed to expand their skills, engage with other 4-H members, and provide inspiration. Delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected on their...

Give someone a green holiday season with the gift of plants
URBANA, Ill. – If picking the perfect holiday gift stresses you out, this year visit your local garden center for a natural gift that keeps on giving. Gardening and growing plants is an experiential gift that is both rewarding and fun. If you are gifting a plant this season, remember to...