University of Illinois Extension - AJMPU Unit

University of Illinois Extension - AJMPU Unit Serving the 5 southern counties of Illinois: Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union. Welcome to University of Illinois Extension.

Your local Extension office brings you reliable, research-based information in agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family economics, community and economic development and 4-H youth development. Our goal is simple . . . to help you put knowledge to work! University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accomodation to participate in any of our programs, please contact 618-658-5321

The Happy Hillbillies 4-H Club recently led a large, multi-county community service project to collect bottle caps, and ...
09/04/2026

The Happy Hillbillies 4-H Club recently led a large, multi-county community service project to collect bottle caps, and what an amazing success it was!

Through this event, along with bottle caps collected from previous collection efforts, the club gathered more than 2,000 pounds of bottle caps!

These caps will be recycled to obtain two benches, a picnic table, and four trash receptacles for the Massac County Fairgrounds, creating lasting resources for the community while giving new life to materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

This project was held in memory of Garrett Hunerkoch, who tragically lost his life in a farming accident. His memory will live on through this meaningful 4-H project and its lasting impact on the beautification of the fairgrounds.

This effort would not have been possible without the incredible support of the many individuals, families, organizations, and communities who donated bottle caps and the over 100 volunteers who gave their time to sort through thousands of pounds of caps.
Our communities truly rallied together for an amazing cause. This project is a wonderful example of the compassion, generosity, and 4-H spirit that can make a lasting difference.

Thank you to the Happy Hillbillies 4-H Club for hosting, U of I Extension 4-H Staff for coordination, Big Bay Southern FS, Garrett’s family, and ALL the volunteers who played a part in making this incredible project a success! Your generosity, time, and support made a lasting difference.

09/04/2026

Wasps?! Mosquitoes?! Don't bug out! All insects play a big role in the ecosystem by supporting crop pollination and soil health, feeding wildlife, and providing pest management. 🐝

Here are some simple strategies to stay safe while coexisting with insects:

• Mosquitoes: Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. Use a fan to keep mosquitoes away. Remove standing water sources where they lay eggs. Apply insect repellents or wear treated clothing.

• Limit outdoor lighting: Insects are attracted to outdoor lights at night because they orient themselves by keeping a light source at their back, known as a dorsal light response. A light that's on all night will disorient insects and lead to their death. To help: reduce outdoor lighting, use motion-sensor lights, close window blinds, and use yellow or amber-colored lights.

• Wasps: Yellowjackets are more active in the fall and may be attracted to sweet foods and drinks. Keep lids on cups or use a clear cup to see if a wasp has landed in it. If a wasp is checking you out, blow on it or brush it away. A swat can lead to a sting.

Explore more with the Everyday Environment team in a blog and podcast conversation about navigating insect challenges with horticulture educator and our resident "bug guy" Ken Johnson at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/everyday-environment.

With: University of Illinois Extension Calhoun/Cass/Greene/Morgan/Scott counties

TRASH BLAST CANCELED TODAY DUE TO EXTREME HEAT Due to the Extreme Heat Advisory, we are canceling today’s Trash Blast at...
09/04/2026

TRASH BLAST CANCELED TODAY DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

Due to the Extreme Heat Advisory, we are canceling today’s Trash Blast at Bean Ridge. We want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy in these dangerous temperatures.

If you were signed up for today’s Trash Blast—or if you’ve been wanting to join us—we hope you can come out for our next Trash Blast on October 2!

👉 Register here: https://go.illinois.edu/trashblaster

We hope you can join us sometime as we work together to blast the trash out of the Forest!

In the meantime, drink plenty of water, stay cool, and take care of yourselves!

09/03/2026

One Shawnee Regional Summit Coming to Vienna

One Shawnee will host its 4th Annual Regional Summit on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Vienna High School.

The summit is designed for local government officials and staff, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, volunteers, and anyone interested in helping improve life in southernmost Illinois.

Those from Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Hardin, Saline, and Gallatin counties are encouraged to attend.

Registration is FREE!

Register through the 2026 Event Page:
https://www.oneshawnee.com/events-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com

We also encourage community members and organizations to share the event with others who may be interested in attending.

Join us at Vienna High School on October 9!

09/03/2026

Last chance to register for the Illinois 4-H 2026 State Shoots!

Register anytime before August 31 through your 4-H ZSuite account for upcoming State Shoots! Junior Division is for youth ages 11-12 by September 1, and Senior Division is for youth ages 13-18 by September 1.

Air Rifle: September 12, 2026, in Bloomington, IL
Archery: September 19, 2026, in Pekin, IL
Shotgun: September 26, 2026, in Bunker Hill, IL
Small Bore Rifle: September 26, 2026, in Bunker Hill, IL
Small Bore Pistol: July-August, postal match

Registration and state shoot rules are here: go.illinois.edu/StateShoots

All AJMPU Extension offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.We hope you all have a wonder...
09/03/2026

All AJMPU Extension offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing, and safe Labor Day!

Take some time to enjoy the holiday, spend time with family and friends, and soak up the long weekend!

We’ll see you back in the office on Tuesday!

09/01/2026

Discovering Bats: Nighttime Superheroes, a free University of Illinois Extension program, traveled to seven locations across southern Illinois from June 24 through July 22, teaching about 70 youth ages 6

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