News Releases

Summer blooms simplify warm-season grass identification
URBANA, Ill. – Most people can identify a few different trees by their leaves or flowers in bloom, but grasses are a different story. Grasses provided food and shelter for wildlife and are key to a healthy ecosystem. Learn to identify the wide variety of Illinois warm-season grasses in a...

Invite good insects into the garden to battle pests
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Irrigate gardens to beat summer heat
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Livestock judging teaches decision-making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members were back in the showring for the 2021 State Livestock Judging Contest. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating...

Preserve food safely; Extension workshop covers the basics
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Illinois teen is national 4-H archery reserve champion
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Extension names new agriculture outreach leadership
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Extension expands leadership focused on natural resources, energy, environment
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Get to know the incredible Illinois milkweed
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Grilling mistakes can be costly; stay safe during cookout season
URBANA, Ill. – Grilling is a great way to keep the kitchen cool while enjoying fresh summer foods. But the thrill of cooking outside can quickly be extinguished by a fire....

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...

Wits Wellness research is looking for participants
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Pesticide users balance risks, benefits for producers, neighbors
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Tomato gardeners beware; blossom end rot can be prevented
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New 4-H educator ready to support youth, teens in western suburbs
ST. CHARLES, Ill. – Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff are guiding the next...

Bridge the digital divide: Strategies to adopt, deploy broadband in your community
URBANA, Ill. – Broadband technology enables residents to conduct business, work from home, attend school, drive innovation, and access remote healthcare services, but some rural and underserved urban Illinois communities with insufficient infrastructure or limited provider choices still find it...

Applying herbicides in natural settings lowers costs, increases efficiency
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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...

Youth public speaking contest builds self-esteem, leadership skills that last a lifetime
URBANA, Ill. –  More than 75% of adults rank public speaking as their number one fear, but not 4-H members. 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Over 100 youth recently came together to put their public speaking...

Six Illini Science Policy Scholars announced, will tackle critical issues in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – Six graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are preparing to embark on a year of public service as part of the new class of Illini Science Policy Scholars. The...