News Releases

four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Dining out is a cherished part of American life, whether for celebrations or casual meals. With the rising number of diners, ensuring top-notch quality and safety in food service is crucial.The FDA’s 2022 Food Code enhances food safety protocols for retail establishments. In Illinois, all...
Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
Up close view of light purple berries growing on a green beautyberry plant.
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
daughter with her arms around her grandmother
Making a Meaningful Nursing Home Visit | Lee County Council on Aging
DIXON, IL –Visiting a loved one in a nursing home can be very difficult, even though many long-term care facilities today are more home-like. There are many reasons for the reluctance to visit someone in a nursing facility, and many emotions involved, yet it is important to make...
A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
View from the ground of a person pushing a lawn spreader putting on fertilizer.
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
artwork hanging on the wall
4-H Kids with Heart Exhibit Showcases Lee County Youth Talent
DIXON, IL –Illinois Extension and Lee County 4-H are thrilled to announce the upcoming 4-H Kids with Heart Exhibit, a special event dedicated to celebrating the creativity, compassion, and community spirit of our local 4-H members. The Open House will be held on Friday, October 4, from 6-8 PM at...
Fall wreath hanging on a wall
Create Beautiful Fall Décor with the Carroll County Master Gardeners
This September, join the Carroll County Master Gardeners for a series of hands-on workshops to help you bring your fall decor to life! Led by Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro, these workshops will show you how to combine natural and store-bought items to craft stunning fall arrangements for your...
A group of adults sharing
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
field on a sunny day with a blurred center
Extension offers webinar about farm business structure
Choosing the right business structure for a farm or ranch business shouldn’t be hard. In the Business Structure Basics Webinar, led by staff from Farm Commons in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, producers will learn how to apply straightforward...
apple in hand on white background
Learn how to grow your own apples
Come celebrate the fall apple season by learning more about this exceptional local fruit. Join University of Illinois Extension's Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, Grant McCarty, for the Growing Great Apples program. In this presentation, you'll learn about general...