News Releases

Bring homegrown foods to the table this Thanksgiving
Bring homegrown foods to the table this Thankgiving URBANA, Ill. – Celebrating the year’s harvest with a Thanksgiving feast has been an American tradition for more than 400 years. Whether homegrown or from a farmers market, the demand for locally sourced foods is on the rise. ...
Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants
Are you getting in the spirit for the fall and winter holidays?  Illinois Master Gardeners will present “Legends and Traditions of Holiday Plants” at noon on Nov. 9. The online program will begin with a discussion of several holiday traditions, and why so many people...
4-H shooting sports contest brings fun, camaraderie, teamwork to the range
URBANA, Ill. – Over 90 Illinois youth gathered at statewide competitions this fall to exhibit their skill mastery in shooting sports. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun. “I know at first it appears odd to...
Don't rake fall leaves, recycle them
URBANA, Ill. – Every fall, an onslaught of leaves drop relentlessly into yards leaving homeowners to rake, bag, and haul them out on the curb. But what many don’t know is that those golden-hued leaves are gold in the garden. “After raking leaves this fall, think about recycling them on...
Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...
Prevent accidents by focusing on safety during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. – A long stretch of clear skies is great news for Illinois farmers who are busy clearing fields during the fall harvest. It also means they may be working long hours more days in a row, which can increase risks for burnout, injury, and stress. “Farmers are in the field a...
Make way for farmers on rural roads during fall harvest
​DECATUR, Ill. – Harvest season is here, and with it comes safety issues on rural roads. Whether operating farm machinery or a motor vehicle, adopt a “safety first” attitude when sharing roads. During the fall harvest, there are more slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways, creating...
Proper maintenance extends lifespan, saves money on garden tools
URBANA, Ill. – One of the pricier expenditures for home gardeners is quality hand tools. High quality tools will last longer, but this does mean the tools — whether shovels, rakes, pruners, or hand trowels — cost more. “Buy the best you can afford. Take care of your tools, and they will...
Healthy gardens start with sensible soil testing
URBANA, Ill. – As the growing season wraps up and gardeners put vegetable beds to rest and clean and store tools for the winter, there is one task they may be forgetting. Testing the soil’s nutrients can provide a better understanding of a garden’s health and save money in the long run. ...
Keep plants, pollinators happy with fall Gardening in the Air series
URBANA, Ill. — With the weather getting colder and the coming of fall, it’s important to know how to put your garden to rest and plan for the next growing season. Learn how to support pollinators, grow vegetables and herbs in any size garden, and find and plant trees for long-term...
Expand understanding of vital health topics with cutting-edge research
URBANA, Ill. – Evolving advancements in health sciences require a connection to focused research to help communities and professionals stay informed on emerging health topics, disease prevention practices, and diagnoses. Dive deeper into specific health conditions, such as tinnitus...