News Releases

Be creative with your Thanksgiving meal
URBANA, Ill. – This year is forcing families to rethink everything, from education to outings. Instead of stressing over the changes or feeling sad about what you’re losing this year, University of Illinois Extension has some creative ideas to help...
Put thankfulness in your Thanksgiving holiday season
URBANA, Ill – As families take precautions to keep everyone safe this Thanksgiving, favorite holiday traditions are getting a fresh perspective. University of Illinois Extension family life specialist Cheri Burcham ...
​​​​​​​Cloverbud Camp from the comfort of home
Calling all Cloverbuds-We're taking our popular Cloverbud Camp virtual! Cloverbud Camp is open to all area youth ages 5-7. Previous 4-H membership is not required. There are two sessions, with two dates for each session, so take your pick. December 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. or December 5 from...
Pining for Evergreens: A Pruning Guide on December 3
Do you have evergreens in your yard or landscaping? Should you be pruning them? If so, when and how? What can you do to keep them healthy and make them look wonderful for years to come? Horticulture Educator Sarah Vogel will discuss the best pruning practices for pines, spruces, junipers, and...
Local foods offer a cornucopia of fresh Thanksgiving options
URBANA, Ill. – When the Thanksgiving table is set this year, check if something is missing. It may be the care that local farmers, ranchers, bakers and cooks put into their work. For four years, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Kelly Allsup has challenged herself to buy mostly...
turkey on table
Smaller turkeys, lower prices on Thanksgiving menu
URBANA, Ill. – As concerns rise over the possible spread of coronavirus during large family gatherings, the expected smaller holiday party size is affecting the food production industry. Smaller guest invites means consumers are looking for smaller whole turkeys on the holiday menu in...
Illinois Extension staff honored for life-changing programs
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension helps help families, businesses, and community leaders develop the skills people need to address local problems and build better futures. Award-winning staff were honored during the organization’s...
Don't get sick from your holiday turkey
The main centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving celebration may well be the turkey. The honor of carving is often reserved for a special family member. But before carving, the turkey must be cooked, and cooked safely....
Extend the life of urban forests with Urban Tree Conference
URBANA, Ill. – Trees can live hundreds of years, but from pests and diseases to improper care and installation, urban trees are not living as long as their forest counterparts. Many urban trees only live 20% of their life span. Whether you are new to tree care or a seasoned professional...
Illinois Leads U.S. in Pumpkin Production
NASHVILLE, IL, (Nov. 10, 2020) – According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, the majority of pumpkin acres were grown in only ten States, and Illinois is consistently the nation’s largest producer of pumpkins, the majority of which are used for pies and processed foods.  ...
Farmdoc Illinois Economic Summit: Farm management guide in difficult times
URBANA, Ill. – The past year has been a year like no other for Illinois agriculture. While the year started optimistically with talks of a surge in agricultural exports resulting from the trade agreement with China, the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the global economy. Most agricultural prices...
Extension program promotes brain health in older adults
URBANA, Ill. – Our brains control important executive functions, such as speaking, thinking, learning, making sound decisions, and remembering. In addition to physical exercise, getting at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep and eating a heart-healthy diet improves ...
Explore, learn and grown with Wee Naturalists virtual program
URBANA, Ill. – Nature is a place for children to explore, learn and grow and the new virtual Wee Naturalists program allows for just that. University of Illinois Extension is once again offering nature-loving children, families and educators the opportunity to explore a different nature...
Illinois' top 4-H staff shine
URBANA, Ill. – Innovation and dedication of University of Illinois Extension staff has been recognized by the state’s youth development association. The ...