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...
7 tips to reduce spread of norovirus during stomach flu season
The stomach flu is likely caused by norovirus, a group of related viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This highly contagious virus has several strains and spreads quickly from person to person, causing mayhem...
Researchers seek information on close encounters of the deer kind
Researchers at the University of Illinois are asking adults in Illinois to complete an online survey about their experiences with wild white-tailed deer. The survey is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)...
Start spring early by forcing branches to bloom indoors
The weather during late winter can feel like being on a roller coaster. One day, it feels like spring, and the next, we are reminded that it’s still winter. To help tide you over, you can try forcing some spring-flowering trees and shrubs to bloom early and bring some bright spring colors...
Early adopters find unique approaches to alternative cow housing systems
URBANA, Ill. – Rising property prices, bad weather, and shrinking pasture acreage challenge Illinois ranchers and limit herd sizes. But what happens when cow and calf producers move cattle into open-air buildings for long periods?
That is what University of Illinois staff and Extension...
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-...
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...
Munro Recognized at National 4-H Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator, Myla Munro, was recognized for her outstanding service in the 4-H Youth Development profession by being named an Achievement in Service Award (ASA) winner at the recent National Association of Extension 4-H Youth...
Culturally relevant gardening, cooking programs held at Booker T. Washington School
Racial inequities with access to nature and gardening are significant issues in many societies. People of color and low-income communities often have limited access to green spaces and gardening opportunities which can have negative impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as their...
Master Gardeners get creative to extend programs to veterans
The Vermilion County Master Gardeners have offered programs at the Danville VA for more than 20 years, but for the last two years, COVID has had a significant impact on in-person programs with veterans.
During COVID, Master Gardener Debbie Edwards worked with fellow Master Gardeners and...
Improving brain health leads family life programming efforts
Brain health is the most requested family life Extension program. People don’t often worry about cognition and memory until they age. That is often when people start to worry whether their experiences are typical or of concern.
Brain health programs discuss what could be considered...
Give your green thumb a hand, join vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Dig in with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series that will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Whether growers have several acres or a patio with a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful...
Burning local firewood this winter can save forests
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fireplace on these coldest days of the year. Each winter, as my family enjoys the cozy warmth of our woodstove room, I’m always thankful for the firewood supply we’ve been fortunate enough to accumulate.
Most of the wood we burn...
Take small steps to improve, support the environment this winter
URBANA, Ill. – Widespread environmental issues like changing weather patterns and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but small everyday choices make a difference. Explore sustainable maple syrup harvesting, tornado trends in the U.S., and what research says about how to support pollinators in...
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...
Crops Meeting Kicks off Bi-State Conference Series
COVINGTON, IN – Bi-State Crops Conference
Over 70 growers from Illinois and Indiana gathered Thursday, December 1, for the Bi-State Crops Conference held at the Beef House Restaurant in Covington, Indiana. A collaboration between University of Illinois Extension and Purdue University...
Protect your holiday baking traditions with 4 food safety tips
URBANA, Ill. – Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together. Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind.
“Baking and...
Illinois 4-H Skillathon Team Crowned National Champions
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois 4-H Livestock Skillathon Team recently topped 20 teams from across U.S. to bring home the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Champion title. The contest was held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock...
