News Releases

Visit the Master Gardener Plant Sale for quality you can trust
DECATUR, Ill. – In just a few weeks it will be time to start planting vegetable, flower, and herb gardens. Enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces with houseplants, annual and perennial flowers, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants. Put your outdoor plans in motion with a visit to the Master...
State 4-H award ceremony recognizes three Macon County youth
DECATUR, Ill. — Three Macon County 4-H members received state 4-H awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication, growth, and leadership. An award ceremony and celebration was held on April 9 in Champaign, Illinois. Taylor Crouch, daughter of Cassie and Jeremy Crouch, was the...
FIRST LEGO League 4-H robotics team receives highest award
DECATUR, Ill. — Building robust infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization was the theme of this year’s FIRST LEGO League challenge. Macon County 4-H Scream’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics team accepted the challenge and...
Youth to learn about safety and make project at woodworking workshop
MONTICELLO, Ill. – There is nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment you get from creating something from start to finish. At 4-H Woodworking Workshop with Benchworx, youth get to roll up their sleeves, put on their safety glasses, and create their very own woodworking project. “...
Meet local law enforcement and firefighters at free family fun day
FARMER CITY, Ill. – After an unusually harsh winter, kids and adults alike are anxious to get outside. Here is a chance to get the whole family outside for a day of basketball, bike safety checks, STEM activities, and pedal cart courses all while getting to know local law enforcement and...
An open field with sunlight
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...
Make your own herb garden at free 4-H event
MANSFIELD, Ill. – Growing herbs is a great way to introduce youth to gardening. Many herbs require very little care. Adding herbs to a recipe takes it to a new level. Fresh herbs take those recipes to the next level. Have them readily available by planting an indoor herb garden. At 4-H Indoor...
Attract more butterflies to your garden with tips from an expert
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Gardeners looking to create a butterfly haven can pick up helpful tips from entomologist Dr. Michael Jeffords. This co-author of Butterflies of Illinois: A Field Guide, will be the keynote speaker at Gardeners’ Day on April 2 in Monticello. Dr. Michael Jeffords is a retired...
Experience the world of robotics with free 4-H event
MANSFIELD, Ill. – The technology of robotics has filtered into our workplaces and homes. There is no doubt that robotics has the potential to affect positive change, and our youth need to understand what this means for their future. “Get a glimpse into the world of Robotics,” says 4-H...
Get growing this summer at the Monticello area organic community garden
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Want to grow a vegetable garden but lack the space or equipment to create one? A community garden may be the answer to your problem. Applications are now available for the 2022 growing season at The Monticello Area Community Garden. Dig in this summer and grow your favorite...