News Releases

Learn to grow with fall Master Gardener online training
URBANA, Ill. — From small farms and rural towns to the suburbs and inner-city, more than 2,600 trained Master Gardeners put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice around Illinois through community service...
entrance sign at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Dixon Springs research takes center stage at upcoming forums
DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. – Research drives change for the agricultural industry. Current research projects from Dixon Springs Agricultural Center will be showcased monthly.  The first educational forum begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 and return the first Thursday of each month...
Extension’s strategic realignment means more help for Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout history, families have grappled with how to manage chronic health conditions, eat well, balance a family budget, and create a stable beginning for their youngest family members. But modern families are faced with a new set of challenges layered on top of the long-...
Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands. Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
A black and yellow cicada killer wasp stinging an annual cicada.
Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids. Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...
Illinois teens become advocates for food access, security
What does it mean to be hungry? Illinois 4-H teens are challenging experts in the fields of food access, food security, and food justice to learn how to advocate for others in their communities. In May, 105 youth at the...
Tiny tick-insect crawling on person's finger.
Small bug, big risk: Protect yourself from ticks this summer
URBANA, Ill. — When venturing in the woods this summer, don’t forget to protect yourself from a small, but dangerous creature likely lurking in trees, grass, and bushes. Ticks are easy to pick up when visiting grassy areas, woods, prairies, wetlands, deer trails, and brushy...
Blistering heat, high humidity puts us at risk
URBANA, Ill. – June has been hot and muggy. Regardless what the thermometer reads, it just feels hotter. Feels-like temperatures are calculated using the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and an understanding of how the human body responds to heat and cold. ...