News Releases

Yellow flower petals and seed heads covered in snow.
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
dried grasses on the ground burning
Learn the Essentials of Prescribed Burns with Expert Jeff Harris
Learn the Essentials of Prescribed Burns with Expert Jeff HarrisUnderstanding the significance and technique of prescribed burns can be pivotal for land management and environmental health. Join us for an informative session with Jeff Harris, Southern Illinois Prescribed...
Stretch your grocery budget with gardening and grocery planning
Have you noticed price increases recently? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expenses have been rising at a higher rate than income. While families try to manage their finances with increasing costs, some changes are easier to make than others. After cutting back on luxuries, even...
Ag Discovery Day: An Exciting Agriculture Exploration for Local Youth
Join Us for Ag Discovery Day: An Exciting Agriculture Exploration for Local YouthLocal youth ages 8-13 are invited to an engaging and educational experience on Saturday, October 5, at Ag Discovery Day, hosted at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Nashville, IL. This...
Pollinator Palooza at Carlyle Lake: A Free Family-Friendly Event
University of Illinois Extension invites the community to Pollinator Palooza, a free outdoor event celebrating our vital pollinators! Join us at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center on [Event Date] for a day of educational fun and engaging activities designed to highlight the importance of...
Up close view of light purple berries growing on a green beautyberry plant.
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
Winners pose with plaques.
Bond County youth takes top honors at youth dairy contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The 2024 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program was held Aug. 18 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Eighteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois took part in the event to test their knowledge and...
A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
View from the ground of a person pushing a lawn spreader putting on fertilizer.
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
A young girl places with her prize winning goat at the fair.
4-H youth place at regional showcase at the DuQuoin State Fair
DUQUOIN, Ill. – Through a partnership with Illinois Extension and the DuQuoin State Fair, 4-H youth demonstrated their knowledge and skills during the 4-H Regional Showcase at the 2024 DuQuoin State Fair.The showcase was held on three separate days, with a general show the weekend before...
A group of adults sharing
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
Hands with puzzle pieces coming together
Investment in communications furthers the Illinois Extension mission
URBANA, Ill. — Effective communication is a cornerstone of University of Illinois Extension’s ability to transfer the latest research and best practices to the residents of the state. In this critical pursuit of improving lives and livelihoods throughout Illinois, Extension relies on myriad...