U of I Extension-Livingston, McLean, Woodford Counties

09/05/2026

Our Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, Labor Day, in observance of the holiday.

We will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.

09/03/2026

We're looking for a 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator to join the University of Illinois Extension Livingston County 4-H team. Help connect youth with opportunities, support dedicated volunteers, and strengthen local communities through innovative 4-H programs.

🌟 Inspire. Educate. Empower.

Apply now: go.illinois.edu/LMWCareers

📅 Deadline: September 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

09/02/2026

Got a packed summer planned next year? Give your garden and yourself a break and plant a simple summer cover crop mix - cowpeas, millet, and sunflowers. They will suppress weeds, build soil health, and support pollinators.

Check out this Illinois Extension blog post - learn how to sow a summer cover crop in 2027. Enjoy the wildlife it attracts, revel in its beauty, and recharge for the following year."

Find out more here ➡️ 🌻 https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2026-08-24-plant-summer-cover-crops-garden-and-personal-well-being

08/31/2026

What are people saying about Voice of the Wild?
• OMG now I know what type of birds are building a nest by my window!
• I love this series and the commentary on this video!
• These are amazing! Listening to all of the animal sounds with my kids and they are loving it!
If you're in your bird-watching era, this is the podcast for you! From crickets to crow calls and toads to tanagers, Voice of the Wild brings you the sounds of Illinois nature in a 2-minute format every week.
• Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/
• Subscribe for email updates: https://go.illinois.edu/SubscribeVoiceofWild

What are people saying about Voice of the Wild?
• OMG now I know what type of birds are building a nest by my window!
• I love this series and the commentary on this video!
• These are amazing! Listening to all of the animal sounds with my kids and they are loving it!

If you're in your bird-watching era, this is the podcast for you! From crickets to crow calls and toads to tanagers, Voice of the Wild brings you the sounds of Illinois nature in a 2-minute format every week.

• Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/
• Subscribe for email updates: https://go.illinois.edu/SubscribeVoiceofWild

08/31/2026

Grab some friends and have a fun evening with Master Gardeners! Fall Gardening for Pollinators will take place on Wednesday, September 16th at 6 pm at the McLean County Extension office.

This hands-on workshop will help you learn what fall garden clean-up practices can help support pollinator habitat throughout the year. For just $10, you can create and take home an insect hotel. Let’s support our pollinator friends! Register at https://go.illinois.edu/FallGardeningPollinators.

08/31/2026

Something good is brewing! ☕

Each week, University of Illinois Extension will be sharing fresh insights through our Healthy Minds, Strong Communities social media series. From practical mental wellness tips and stress management strategies to helpful tools, resources, and everyday inspiration, we’re serving up simple ways to support a healthier mind and stronger community.

Join us as we explore small steps that can make a big difference in overall well-being.

✨ Look for weekly tips, resources, activities, and encouragement designed to help you thrive.

Always tune into our Facebook here at ➡️ U of I Extension-Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties and tune into our instagram channel at ➡️ ilextension_LMW to follow along!

08/30/2026

Looking for a fun outdoor adventure?

Join the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and McLean 4-H for an evening of catch-and-release fishing at Miller Park Lake! Whether you're new to fishing or already love casting a line, this event is for you.

✅ Brief beginner-friendly instruction from IDNR experts
✅ Equipment provided if needed
✅ Families welcome to participate alongside youth

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
🕓 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
📍 Miller Park Lake

Register today:
🔗 go.illinois.edu/letsgethooked

08/29/2026

🍀 Help Grow the Next Generation of Leaders!

University of Illinois Extension is seeking a 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator to serve Livingston County. In this role, you'll empower young people, engage volunteers, foster community partnerships, and create meaningful learning experiences through 4-H programming.

📍 Turn your passion for youth into a career that makes a difference.

Apply today: go.illinois.edu/LMWCareers

⏰ Applications accepted through 6:00 p.m. on September 4, 2026

08/29/2026

🍁🌿 Make memories outdoors at Nature Trails Day 2026! 🌿🍁

Gather the family and join us at McLean County Parks at Comlara Park/Evergreen Lake on September 19 for a day filled with adventure, discovery, and hands-on fun. Meet a live Great-horned Owl, try youth fishing, explore nature trails, dissect owl pellets, and learn about the plants and wildlife that call Illinois home.

🎒 Plus, for just $10 per family, you'll receive a take-home hiking kit to continue the adventure!

🦉🐟🍃 Register today: go.illinois.edu/NatureTrailsDay2026

08/28/2026

🍽️ Looking for a fun way to spend quality time together?

Join us for Recipe for Connection, a hands-on family cooking experience where you'll prepare a meal, share it together, and discover simple ways to make family mealtimes more meaningful.

📅 Sunday, September 13
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
📍 Livingston County Extension Office, Pontiac
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ages 8 to adult
💲 $10 per family (up to 2 adults + children)

Enjoy cooking, eating, and connecting while taking home easy recipes and ideas to strengthen family bonds.

✅ Register today: https://go.illinois.edu/Recipe4Connection