Illinois Extension announces 2024 scholars in program promoting public service careers
URBANA, Ill. — The Illini Science Policy Program, administered by University of Illinois Extension, is excited to name nine University of Illinois graduates to its fourth class of ISPP...

Empowering future success: Illinois youth equipped for a bright future following college prep experience
Urbana, Ill. – Over 120 youth from 32 counties across Illinois headed to the University of Illinois campus June 25-29 to work with elite university professors and graduate students in nine academic fields of study during Illinois 4-H’s Illini Summer...

Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management...

Extension empowers youth, new educator serving Northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill — For over 100 years, Illinois 4-H has been empowering youth for the future as the state’s largest out-of-school program. As the flagship youth program of University of Illinois, expert youth development staff are utilized to...

Summer Self-Care Series: Exploring innovative approaches to tackle current health issues
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois, along with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, a campus-wide health sciences-oriented research institute, in partnership with Illinois Extension...

Build knowledge of environment, natural resources with summer series
URBANA, Ill. — Summertime is the perfect time for adventure, exploration, and education on nature-related topics. The Everyday Environment series from University of...

Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...

Stakeholder feedback welcome as Illinois Extension embarks on strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs were established in 1914 as part of the national Smith-Lever Act, which empowered the country’s land-grant universities in the creation of...

Illinois AgrAbility ready to serve farmers across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers have always been the backbone of America. The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmer’s livelihood but rather their way of life. ...

Partnership and perseverance end food desert in Illinois’ southernmost city
CAIRO, Ill. — Illinois’ southernmost city, Cairo, is home to just over 1,700 people, and for the past seven years, those residents have been without a local grocery store, greatly limiting access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. On Friday, June 16, that all changed. The new...

Farm stressors affect mental health of adults and adolescent children
URBANA, Ill. — Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers face substantial mental health challenges. Research indicates they often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, but less is known about the effects on their...

Protect Illinois forests by removing invasive garlic mustard this spring
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, early blooming ephemeral flowers are a welcome sign from nature that winter is almost over. But Virginia bluebells, mayapples, spring beauties...

Start spring early by forcing branches to bloom indoors
The weather during late winter can feel like being on a roller coaster. One day, it feels like spring, and the next, we are reminded that it’s still winter. To help tide you over, you can try forcing some spring-flowering trees and shrubs to bloom early and bring some bright spring colors...

Flowers are a forgotten love language
URBANA, Ill. – Love. Amor. Aimer. Liebe. Milovat. A red rose. Six different languages, all expressing the same emotion. Floriography is the forgotten language or secret language of flowers. Throughout history, including the Victorian Era and many cultures including the Persians have used flowers...

Sow seeds of change, learn how to save garden seeds
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners dream of spring and flip through catalogs looking for the best seeds, it makes you wonder where they come. Sure, seeds come from the fruit of a plant, but how does it happen? A good challenge for any gardener is to learn how to harvest and save seed. If you...

Illinois 4-H builds expertise in agriculture and career development with two new educators
URBANA, 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...

From ground to air to space: Tillage estimates get tech boost
URBANA, Ill. – According to national USDA statistics, no-till and conservation tillage are on the rise, with more than three-quarters of corn and soybean farmers opting for the practices to reduce soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and save on fuel. However, these estimates are...

Protect your private woodlands: Grow skills, knowledge to become a better forest steward
URBANA, Ill. – After a successful first year of branching out, the Beginning Forest Landowner Program is returning in 2023 to help more Illinois forest owners manage their woodlands. Buying and maintaining forested land can...

Tree bark adds visual bite to winter landscapes
URBANA, Ill. – With bright colors and interesting shapes, unusual tree and shrub bark can add visual interest to winter landscapes. Many types of bark become more distinctive and sought after during winter months. Selecting trees based on their bark can bring four seasons of visual interest to...

Want a natural food dye? Amaranth delivers, according to Illinois study
URBANA, Ill. – Artificial food dyes have been linked to multiple health concerns, including hyperactivity in children, allergies, and certain cancers. The science isn’t settled and the ...