Volunteers at the heart of Illinois 4-H
Urbana, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program honors its 6,000 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24.
“Our...
Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, enthusiastic woodland hunters scour forests across Illinois in search of an elusive and delectable fungi, the morel.
Determined foragers delight in the thrill of harvesting wild morel mushrooms, Morchella spp, that can’t be bought at a grocery...
Apply for Online Master Gardener Training for Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening and a desire to share your knowledge with others.
The Master Gardener programs in Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties are now...
Get your food directly from the source
URBANA, Ill.— Learn to eat healthy while supporting local growers. University of Illinois Extension is offering a monthly webinar series beginning April 21 to help you navigate the Illinois growing season. Each webinar starts at noon and lasts 30 minutes....
Food Myths: Debunked
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Like in most subject areas, there will always be myths, particularly when it comes to food and health. Jenna Smith, University of Illinois Extension registered dietitian and nutrition and wellness educator...
Get in on the conversation with Extension’s Farm Talk Fridays
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Agriculture in central Illinois covers a vast range of interests, from urban agriculture and beginning small farmers and ranchers, to farmers markets, organic production, and more.
The Local Food Systems and Small Farms (LFS/SF) program from University of Illinois...
Youth fishing program gets kids off screens, into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – In the past year, screen time has increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing have gone remote. Illinois 4-H has developed a new outdoor curriculum for junior-high age youth focused on getting kids spending time outside and enjoying the proven...
Grants give opportunity to add Agriculture to McLean County Classrooms
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Agriculture is an industry worth celebrating and McLean County Chamber of Commerce does that through their annual Agriculture Awareness Breakfast. The event allows University of Illinois Extension and McLean County 4-H the opportunity to celebrate teachers and students of our...
Bring office plants neglected during pandemic back to life
URBANA, Ill. – When people walked out of their workplaces last March, most did not think it would be months or even a year before they would come back.
As employees continue to return to in-person work, they might find themselves facing...
Volunteers help youth feel welcomed, empowered in 4-H programming
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports relies heavily on adult volunteers taking the lead in the various disciplines, ultimately making the county program successful. Registration is open for two statewide Shooting Sports Leader Certification sessions on June 5 and July 24.
The...
Extension offices fill connectivity gaps
URBANA, Ill. –The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated what was already known about digital connectivity: millions of American don’t have access to high-speed internet; many of those are in rural communities.
Children attending daily virtual learning, coupled with adults working from home and...
Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers
URBANA, Ill. – For many teens, deciding where they want to attend college and what they may want to study is challenging. Some may even be the first in their family to attend college.
Illinois 4-H makes college and career exploration...
Addressing racial injustice and disparities focus of new Illinois 4-H initiative
URBANA, Ill. – As the nation grappled with issues of social justice and racial equity, Illinois 4-H leadership intensified their commitment to understanding the experiences of staff, volunteers, and students in these specific areas. To create an...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales.
Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...
