June 2026

Four people hold up a ribbon inside a food pantry room

“You do not have to face hardship alone”: New food pantry opens in Kankakee

May 14, 2026

KANKAKEE, Ill. — Community leaders gathered outside the Kankakee Area YMCA Child Care Center on Saturday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony as shelves inside the new pantry stood filled with food and household essentials.For Kristi Schu, Saturday’s ribbon-cutting marked the celebration of something she had envisioned for years: a place where local...

News releases

Students hold up signs that say "welcome to the plant sale"

May 29, 2026

“Helping students become good people”: Union School students showcase months of learning at annual plant sale
JOLIET, Ill. — After 27 weeks of planting, watering, learning, and preparing, students at Union School District 81 welcomed community members to their annual plant sale on Friday, May 15, the end-of-year showcase of the University of Illinois Extension...

May 20, 2026

Illinois Extension highlights practical ways to support youth mental health
URBANA, Ill. — Many adults feel unprepared to navigate conversations around mental health with the young people in their care. During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, University of Illinois Extension and...

Two people sit at a table, showing images to a group of students

May 19, 2026

Morris area youth learn about civic engagement, local government at annual Government Day event
MORRIS, Ill. — Youth from area schools traveled to Morris last week to spend time with local community leaders and learn more about civic engagement during the 2026 Grundy County Government Day program hosted by the University of Illinois Extension’s...

Youth walk across a log and play in the forest

May 14, 2026

Extension brings Joliet schools to the outdoors with support from ExxonMobil
JOLIET, Ill. — For many years, University of Illinois Extension and Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers have brought youth from six...

4-H member holds up a state ribbon on the left, while on the right, she works on a project at a sewing machine

June 5, 2026

Illinois Extension 4-H Member Spotlight: Emalyn Williams
MORRIS, Ill. — Every 4-H member has a story. Whether they are caring for animals, exploring science, serving their community, or developing leadership skills, Illinois 4-H, the flagship youth development program of...

Events

A hummingbird moth collects nectar from a pink zinnia flower with centered text overlay saying Four Seasons Gardening.

June 9, 2026

Moth Gardening: Amazing Pollinators of the Night
Learn more about the unsung pollinators visiting flowers and gardens at night. Butterflies are one of the most popular garden themes, but what about their nighttime counterparts? Moths, the stunning, majestic insects of the evening, are important pollinators. Join in for a lively discussion of...

A small herd of beef cattle stand in tall grass in a pasture

July 15, 2026 - July 16, 2026

Heart of America Grazing Conference
Explore how regenerative grazing can grow livestock operations.Producers can stay in the loop on what’s moving in the world of regenerative grazing by attending the 2026 Heart of America Grazing Conference on July 15 and 16 in Effingham.Whether looking to improve soil health, water quality, or...

Free School Nutrition Training

July 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois State Board of Education to gain practical tools and research to help your school community. Earn 4 hours of USDA Professional Standards at no charge. Topics: Session 1: Nutrition, Physical Activity and Academic Success; Share Tables 101; Meal Presentation and Marketing to Boost Participation; Vegetarian Options and School Nutrition.

Learn more and register

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