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 volunteer helps remeasure the state champion water tupelo.
Illinois’ big trees are on the map
URBANA, Ill. – From the depths of the Shawnee National Forest to backyards in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois’ biggest trees are branching out. For the first time, the state’s champion trees are now available as an interactive digital map. “For more than 58 years, the Illinois Big Tree...
Forestry website supports Illinois woodland owners
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension forestry program launched its newly designed website making it easier for forest owners to access the tools they need to manage their woodlands.   “Our new website was developed to help educate, advise and assist the public with...
Illinois Master Naturalist Program Accepting Applications for June Training
University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit will be offering Illinois Master Naturalist training this summer for two weeks, in June. Training classes will meet ten days, Monday-Friday, June 8-19; from 9 am to 4 pm. Space is limited. To being the application process go to...
Mason Bees Workshop
Stress from chemicals and loss of habitat can put pressure on native bee populations. There are a variety of ways we can help support the native bee population. Join University of Illinois Extension staff to learn more about Mason Bees, create a simple bee hotel and learn the most effective ways...
Winter Tree ID Walk at Spoon River College Arboretum
Cold weather may keep some people indoors but it offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself with a new adventure and new information. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Master Gardeners and Naturalists have partnered with Spoon River College to offer a Winter...
MidWinter Horticulture Workshop is set for January 25
Local and regional specialists cover a variety of environmental topics at this year's Mid-Winter Horticulture Workshop presented by University of Illinois Extension & the Master Gardeners from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties. The public is invited to join them on Saturday,...
Illinois Master Naturalist Training to be Held at Giant City
MAKANDA, Ill.— University of Illinois Extension will be hosting training this spring at Giant City State Park for the next cohort of Master Naturalists. Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Would you like to provide education and service to help your local community? If so, the Illinois...
Campus Rain Garden Receives Upgrades
The first-ever rain garden at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is receiving a complete makeover this fall. Illinois Extension and Facilities & Services (F&S) are renovating the Red Oak Rain Garden, located between Allen Hall and McKinley Health Center near Dorner Drive...
Master Naturalist collecting data about Bluebirds in the field
Macon County Master Naturalist gives back
MACON COUNTY, Ill. – Before opening a bluebird box, Master Naturalist Clarence Josefson always knocks. This seemingly polite gesture is really an act of self-preservation, because birds can get a bit ornery when you start poking around their nests. “One time I was attacked by 14 tree...