News Releases

group of Master Gardener volunteers standing behind a table full of seeds
Kendall County Master Gardeners host free seed swap
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Get free seeds and free advice to plan your 2024 gardens at the seventh annual Kendall County Master Gardener Community Seed Swap on Saturday, Feb. 3 in Yorkville. “Seed Swap participants can choose from a variety of free seeds, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, and...
a vegetable garden in a neighborhood
Scaling up urban agriculture: Research team outlines roadmap
URBANA, Ill. — Urban agriculture has the potential to decentralize food supplies, provide environmental benefits like wildlife habitat, and mitigate environmental footprints, but researchers have identified knowledge gaps regarding both the benefits and risks of urban agriculture and the...
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Opportunity to learn practical money management strategies
URBANA, Ill. — Navigating financial management can often seem overwhelming and intimidating, particularly for those uncertain about how to begin. Studies have shown that financial stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, having access to practical...
Several different succulent plants in a small planter
Did you forget to water your plants? Try low-maintenance succulents
URBANA, Ill. — Liven up your home this winter by introducing carefree and cheery succulents. Succulents offer interesting shapes and colors with their unique fleshy, plump leaves. The best part is they are relatively simple to care for if you can provide ample light. A few easy-care...
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Learn tips for a healthy pregnancy, toddler nutrition
URBANA, Ill. — The 1,000 days between a person's pregnancy and their child's second birthday offer a unique opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future, so knowing how to care for mother and baby during this period is vital. The University of Illinois Extension...
Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop
Weather a changing climate on the farm now and in the future
URBANA, Ill. — The only thing certain about modern farming is that things are always changing, and today’s weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Growing seasons are shifting, and extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common....
a corgi dog standing in deep snow
Keep dogs safe this winter
URBANA, Ill. — As the days inch further and further into winter and frigid temperatures, Dr. Pavlovsky, director of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic, has...
Five adults standing
U of I Extension Honors Kendall Master Gardeners
Volunteers give more than 1,000 hours of service in 2023 YORKVILLE, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension celebrated its Kendall County Master Gardeners with an appreciation night at the end of the growing season. The dedicated volunteer group has already completed more than 1,000...
Group of kids and teens with medallions around their necks
Kendall County 4-H celebrates youth experiences, achievements
PLANO, Ill. – Each year, Kendall County 4-H members earn scholarships and awards for their project work, leadership, and community service through the local and state 4-H programs. Recipients were honored at the annual 4-H Achievement Night celebration Nov. 17 at Plano High School....
A group of four women accepting an award
Volunteers, supporters honored by Kendall County 4-H
PLANO, Ill. – Kendall County 4-H celebrated its volunteers and supporters across the county at its annual 4-H Achievement Night at Plano High School on Nov. 17. “These passionate people may lead community 4-H clubs or special interest clubs, volunteer at 4-H shows or events, or...
4-H volunteer coach and three teenage 4-H members
4-H members advance to national poultry contest and build lifelong skills
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Four Illinois 4-H members traveled to the 2023 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in November to learn through activities and contests, which are designed to introduce participants from across the country to the poultry industry. This annual event recognizes 4-H...
Two blooming Amaryllis flowers
Bloom in the winter with gift of amaryllis bulb kit
URBANA, Ill. — The gift of gardening is an experience anyone can appreciate this holiday season. Take the stress out of shopping this holiday season and give a blooming amaryllis kit that brings the beauty of nature indoors. Poinsettias are beautiful, popular holiday plants, but the gift...
Growing Great Vegetables
Dig in with confidence with spring vegetable gardening workshops
URBANA, Ill. — Growing a vegetable garden takes work, but sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. Grow with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series from University of Illinois Extension that explores everything from seeds and soil to a...
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Illinois continues work to improve waterways by reducing nutrient pollution
URBANA, Ill. — The loss of nutrients into Illinois’ lakes, streams, and rivers harms water quality here and downstream all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, NLRS, was established in 2015 and is designed to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois’...
Group of people on a farm tour standing listening to a speaker
Getting agriculture carbon market questions answered
URBANA, Ill. — When looking to adopt new agricultural practices, it is helpful to hear about experiences from neighbors and locate resources to answer questions. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois...