News & Media

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Illinois Extension strives to provide relevant, science-based information that serves residents and businesses in our area and across the state. From blogs featuring the best seasonal tips and techniques to news stories highlighting upcoming learning opportunities, we offer you impactful insights backed by the research and public engagement resources of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

News Releases
A gloved hand holds open a bat wing up to the light
ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of...
A photo of woman next to children in nature
ACES Expert: Nature exposure can ease ADHD symptoms
URBANA, Ill. — As organizations bring attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in October for ADHD awareness month, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert says time in nature can ease symptoms of the common...
green acorns on an oak branch
Tree identification workshop highlights importance of Illinois' native oaks
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to 21 different native oak species whose populations provide habitat and food for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to improved air and water quality, and provide residential shade benefits that help to reduce energy use. Gain a better...
An Indiana Bat with a metal band on its wing
Illinois landowners can support bats with backyard trees, forests
URBANA, Ill. — Fluttering overhead at night, quiet except for their squeaks, bats can be easily overlooked, but these small mammals play a big role in the ecosystem. Bats are also at risk. Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, and more than half of them are listed as endangered, threatened by...
Split trunk of pear tree
Reduce storm damage by looking for tree defects before bad weather strikes
URBANA, Ill. — High winds during summer storms wreak havoc on trees. Tree defects increase the likelihood of failure, and those close to homes can quickly become dangerous. Learn to look for these weak points to be better prepared for severe weather events.   Trees experience...
Lawn with clover next to house.
Go green with eco-friendly lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — Residential lawns consume over 2.5 billion gallons of water a year. This makes taking a natural approach to lawn care appealing for homeowners. Also, almost 3 million tons of fertilizer are applied to residential lawns every year, and homeowners typically use three times more...
staff photo of Eliana Brown
Brown takes on new role focused on water management
URBANA, Ill. — Not enough rainfall puts plants at risk during dry months; on the other hand, it can be frustrating when a swift rain floods a lawn or washes away landscaping. Research shows that rainfall will come harder and faster and dry periods will be longer with our changing climate, so...