January 2026

Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025

December 30, 2025

BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension mission to bring practical knowledge and resources to every corner of the state. Here are the top...

News releases

Illinois SNAP-Ed staff impact communities

December 19, 2025

'I knock on the door and I say this is what I do... It’s free': SNAP-Ed’s human touch leaves a lifelong impact
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — The SNAP-Ed program, which offers free nutrition and healthy lifestyle education for people eligible for SNAP benefits, is nearing its final chapter due to a loss...

A group of people standing in front of a University of Illinois backdrop

December 9, 2025

Local Illinois Extension staff recognized at 2025 Extension Annual Conference
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-long learning first-hand, staff gathered in Urbana  in late November at the...

December 16, 2025

Local 4-H program recognizes the impact of volunteers, announces milestone recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have recognized the impact of volunteers on the local 4-H programs in the three counties and recently announced milestone winners.“Illinois 4-H volunteers are empowering and...

December 16, 2025

Local 4-H program recognizes accomplished individuals with local Alumni awards
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have announced the recipients of the 2025 4-H Alumni Award.  This award recognizes individuals who were previously in 4-H and whose contributions to society exemplify effective...

December 8, 2025

Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...

A large green circle with the words Gateway Green Conference in the center.

December 8, 2025

Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...

January 5, 2026

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nicole Alvarado
MORRIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight follows...

Events

Image of the USA flag and a text "Legislative Updates"

January 7, 2026

Illinois State Legislative Update
Unlock insider knowledge on legislative updates that could redefine how counties and local governments operate.Explore legislative updates on recent and upcoming changes to state law impacting counties and local governments at this event hosted by Illinois Extension in partnership...

January 7, 2026

Special Public Spaces and the Kankakee River Basin: Wilderness Wednesday
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness and environment! Follow Dale as he travels around the local area and talks about his favorite Natural Resource areas.  Dale has written about the local area in his newspaper columns.We are...

January 14, 2026

Organic waste to Renewable Energy: Wilderness Wednesday
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness and environment! Where science meets sustainability.  Ashley will discuss how anerobic digestion technology transform everyday organic waste like food scraps, farm residue, manure into clean...

January 21, 2026

Woody Invasive Plant Control: Wilderness Wednesday
Join us for Wilderness Wednesdays, evening zoom meetings all about the wilderness and environment! Fall and winter are the ideal times to control woody invasive plants.  This presentation will cover the basic mechanical, cultural, and chemical techniques used during these seasons...

January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Healthy Living Challenge
Join us for a healthy challenge for youth ages 5-18!  Sign up to receive your Healthy Living Calendar.  Each month, there is a coloring sheet for you to complete at your own leisure to help promote mindfulness and mental health. We also have a challenge each month that focuses on an...

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