News Releases

Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...
Hemp Grower Spotlight: Rock River Labs
The University of Illinois Extension is excited to announce that the first edition of their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series will be held on Tuesday April 14th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and other growers and agribusiness...
'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs....
4-H overnight camping canceled for summer
University of Illinois Extension has announced the cancellation of all overnight summer camps sponsored or hosted by University of Illinois, including overnight residential 4-H camps conducted by Illinois 4-H. The cancellation will extend through July 31, 2020....
COVID-19 forces changes in pesticide training, testing
URBANA, Ill. - The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines...
Plant Clinic still open for business
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois Plant Clinic remains open to identify plant pests and diseases. New guidelines are in place to comply with all university of state guidelines related to COVID-19.  To...
New website offers advice for feeding babies
URBANA, Ill. - Families with questions about safe and healthy practices for feeding infants now have a reliable source for answers. Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, a new website from ...
Understanding the truths of autism
URBANA, Ill. - The myths surrounding autism often overshadow the truths. Leading University of Illinois experts will provide insight into what autism is as they debunk myths during an online webinar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7....
Improve your health at home: Online Webinar
URBANA, Ill. - Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially as more of our time is spent at home. Learn healthful strategies for enriching your wellness journey over the next two months that can change your life. Free online webinars offered by ...
Extension to offer Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois series
STERLING, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce a free webinar series, Growing Horticulture in Northwest Illinois on Wednesdays starting April 1, 2020 from 10:30-11:30 AM delivered using Zoom. University of Illinois Extension Educators Bruce J. Black, Grant McCarty and...
Save the taste of summer with at-home food preservation
DECATUR, Ill. — Get ready for summer produce by learning how to preserve food safely with University of Illinois Extension. Nutrition & Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf will teach the basics of home food preservation and provide the latest safety guidelines. Kick off the canning...
Get Growing webinar series announced for growing vegetables and fruit
FREEPORT, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension is proud to announce an upcoming fruit and vegetable webinar series offered this April for backyard growers and homeowners. “Each spring, we get a number of calls to our University of Illinois Extension office asking about growing fruit...
U of I Extension Horticulture Webinar Starts April 14
The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each Season, the team hosts three live webinars delivered via Zoom from anywhere you have internet access. Registration is required and can be completed...