Clinton County’s Addison Tebbe Earns Top Honors at Illinois 4-H Livestock Contest
Addison Tebbe of Clinton County made her hometown of St. Rose proud at the 2025 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest, held August 6 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Among a record-breaking 63 participants from across the state, Addison stood out as one of the top...
Explore practical approaches to supporting mental health within the agricultural community
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers face unique stressors that can take a serious toll on their mental health, often at higher rates than the general population. To address these challenges, University of Illinois Extension offers a free webinar series...
Excellence on Display: 4-H Members Recognized for Outstanding Projects
The Bond County 4-H General Projects Show, held on July 22, showcased the creativity, dedication, and skill of local youth as they presented projects across more than 200 categories. From woodworking and photography to cooking and environmental science, members met with expert judges in a...
Simple design changes can make bat boxes safer
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine moving into a new house just to discover it has no insulation. That’s what life can be like for a bat box resident.Bat boxes, a kind of artificial roost, are a simple and cost-effective way to increase habitat for these flying mammals. They’re a preferred spot for...
Illinois SNAP nutrition education program, U. of I. jobs cut
URBANA, Ill. In late July, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it will end a successful Illinois Extension-led...
Grow successful made in the shade gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Did you know that despite Illinois' reputation as a prairie state, its landscape was once nearly a third forest? This fact opens up a wonderful world of native plants perfectly suited for shade gardens. Choosing these local beauties not only bolsters regional biodiversity but...
Extend fall gardening plans with Illinois Extension Four Seasons webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Not ready to say goodbye to the everyday gardening activities? Extend the garden season by learning how to harvest flower seeds and gaining tips on where to start to reclaim runaway landscapes with the Four...
Think outside the box turtle with program exploring 20 years of wildlife research
URBANA, Ill. — Every box turtle has a story to tell. These charismatic, long-lived turtles are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems, which makes them a good indicator of how strong the overall ecosystem is. In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at...
Crop dusting: Exploring aerial application safety by plane or drone
URBANA, Ill. — One of the trademarks of summer is the sight of planes and helicopters making gravity-defying turns as they make passes up and down cornfields. While this evokes awe and amazement, it also elicits curiosity as to what they are doing and why. Additionally, when serious or fatal...
Learn how to protect public health with non-restaurant food safety training
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is now offering an accessible, self-paced online course designed specifically for food handlers working in non-restaurant settings across Illinois. The Illinois Food Handler Training course equips staff and volunteers with the...
Submit photos that capture resilient spirit of Illinois agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — Have a farm photo that brings a smile every time it is shared? Inspire others and create more smiles by having that photo be part of the 2026 Seasons of Strength calendar from North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance...
A century of data reveals declining forest diversity
URBANA, Ill. — Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have analyzed 96 years of forest census data to better understand ecological changes and inform management practices. Their study...
Illinois expert on keeping outdoor workers safe in excessive heat
URBANA, Ill. — Another round of excessive heat is on the way through much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations.Salah Issa, an expert...
Flower Farm is final stop in Illinois Extension's Summer Twilight Series
ALBION, Ill. – Illinois Extension’s Summer Twilight Series will wrap up its annual program in August with a stop in Sumner. With a decade-long track record, the series continues to be a unique opportunity for southern Illinois residents, farmers, and entrepreneurs to discover a variety of...
Keep animals safe and healthy during excessive heat
URBANA, Ill. — Excessive heat will once again blast much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal welfare expert...
Discover tools to help caregivers manage aging-related demands
URBANA, Ill. — Caregivers in long-term care settings face growing challenges as they support aging populations with complex physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. From managing dementia-related behaviors to addressing social isolation and limited resources, the challenges can be...
ABCs of School Nutrition Summer Learning Institute – Centralia
Illinois Extension partners with the Illinois State Board of Education to provide professional development training each year. In 2024, local Illinois Extension Educator Kara Boozer hosted the largest ABCs of School Nutrition in the state of Illinois, welcoming nearly 100 participants in...
Rooted in Tradition: Extension Workshop Teaches Modern Homesteading
On July 7, the University of Illinois Extension hosted its first 2025 Back to Basics session, led by Illinois Extension Educators Mary Liz Wright and Chris Lueking.Held at the Washington County Extension Education Center, this workshop offered community members the...
Don’t be stumped by tree problems
URBANA, Ill. — In urban settings like parks and yards, numerous challenges threaten tree health and longevity. Environmental or abiotic stressors are often the culprit, and as a tree’s health declines, it will become more susceptible to living or biotic organisms like pests or disease....
Grow Your Passion: Master Gardener Training Begins This Fall
From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs and vibrant city neighborhoods, more than 2,600 volunteers across Illinois are making a difference through gardening. These dedicated individuals bring the mission of “helping others learn to grow” to life by sharing their knowledge and love...
