Local Extension Family and Consumer Science Team Honored
GRAND RAPIDS, Mic. – This October, members of the Illinois Extension Family and Consumer Science team serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties were honored at the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (...
University of Illinois Holiday Food Drive Comes to a Successful End
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – For several weeks, staff of the Champaign County Extension office have witnessed dozens of individuals bring in bags and bags of shelf-stable items for the Holiday Food Drive. The Holiday Food Drive was launched to help feed families and individuals in need throughout Champaign...
Illinois Extension to Host Winter Wellness Miniseries
CATLIN, Ill - There are many joys that can be experienced in winter, from the holidays, snow, and festive events. However, even with the positivity of the holiday season, the stress of it all can be a bit too much to handle. Winter can also bring the chill temperatures and an increased need to...
Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...
Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and...
One-day crops conference offers latest research on fertility, corn hybrids, and disease management
COVINGTON, In. - Area farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from Illinois and Indiana who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability. The conference will be held...
Illinois Extension Offers Free Social Isolation Workshop
URBANA, Ill - In partnership with Salt & Light Ministry and CRIS Healthy Aging, Illinois Extension Family Life presents Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections. Join Illinois Extension Family Life Educator Emily Harmon on Tuesday, December 2, at 10 – 11 AM at Salt...
Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...
Young builders bring stories to life in 4-H challenge
URBANA, Ill. — From mad scientists to haunted trees, Illinois 4-H youth let their imaginations run wild in October’s statewide 4-H Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, themed “Monster Mash: Build a spooky creature or monster.” More than 80 youth from across Illinois...
Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...
University of Illinois Extension responds to rising food access needs
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois...
Brain Health Series Success
SAVOY, Ill – Earlier this month, local residents gathered for four sessions of the research-informed series, Brain Health – It’s A No Brainer at Windsor of Savoy. This series educated adults about normal memory change, highlighting healthy brain contributors, and strategies to improve...
Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...
Champaign County 4-H wins national livestock judging contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Champaign County 4-H Livestock Judging Team claimed first place at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest held Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., earning an invitation to represent the United States at the International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland in the summer of...
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...