Savor the Season: Carroll County Libraries Offer Exciting Cooking Classes
Thomson, Mt. Carroll, and Savanna Libraries are thrilled to announce the dates for May’s cooking classes led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro. Get set for a flavorful exploration of cooking with vegetables, highlighting the deliciousness of kale and Swiss chard.Join us for these...
Inaugural Horse Camp 2024 by Carroll County 4-H: A Day of Free Equestrian Exploration!
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ill. - Saddle up for a brand-new adventure with Carroll County 4-H's inaugural Horse Camp 2024! Designed to ignite a love for horses and riding, this one-day camp offers an exciting opportunity for young equestrians to learn, grow, and connect within the vibrant...
Carroll County 4-H to Host Poultry Workshop on June 2
Milledgeville, Ill. – Carroll County 4-H is excited to announce its upcoming Poultry Workshop scheduled for June 2, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Milledgeville. All youth ages 8 and older are invited to attend. There is no cost for this workshop....
4-H Youth Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
May is Asian American Pacific Islander month. This month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their heritage, traditions, culture, and achievements. During the month of May, 4-H members will be exploring the history and the accomplishments of Asian American Pacific...
Illinois Extension Unveils Kid-Cuterie Workshops: A Flavorful Journey for Young Foodies
Calling all young food enthusiasts! Embark on a delicious journey with our Kid-Cuterie program, brought to you by Illinois Extension! Join us on Monday, June 17th, from 11 am - Noon at the Carroll County Farm Bureau in Mt Carroll, or on Friday, June 21st, at...
Madison Krum Awarded Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Scholarship
Madison Krum, an 11-year member of the Cottonwood 4-H Club in Morrison, Illinois, has been awarded the Whiteside County 4-H Support Fund Award of Merit scholarship. This prestigious $500 scholarship is presented annually to active 4-H members graduating from high school or continuing their...
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-...
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide.
Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Extension’s dedication to environment grows with new campus natural resources expert
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The wild spaces of Illinois are smaller than what they once were, but the forests and prairies that remain are vital for wildlife and the ecosystem services they provide. Across the state, University of Illinois Extension’s network of natural resource experts connects...
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize...
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and equine knowledge in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Youth gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 13...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge, passion for horses in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice—Jams and Jellies
Strawberry season is upon us, and fresh-picked strawberries are great! These sweet berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have a bumper crop and want to enjoy the delectable tastes of these summer berries year-round, try preserving them. Nothing tastes better than...
Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden
URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to planting one that is built to last is long. What funding sources are available?...
How to dehydrate fruits and vegetables for maximum flavor
Dehydrating food is one of the oldest food preservation methods around. However, safely dehydrating is critical to enjoying dried goods months after harvesting. Whether you want to lighten the weight of your favorite foods for camping and backpacking or preserve fruits and vegetables for later...
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.
“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Grasses at a Glance blog earns award from national Extension organization
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses are a small and often subtle backbone of many ecosystems, making up nearly 30% of the planet’s land cover. They prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock. But ask someone to identify one grass from another, and you...
