News Releases

Become a Master Gardener and help others grow
DECATUR – Do you have an interest in gardening, time to volunteer in the community, and a desire to share your knowledge with others? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener program serving DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties might be the perfect fit for you. Applications are now...
4-H virtual horse show a success
DEWITT – 4-H members from DeWitt and Macon counties submitted photos and videos to an online judging platform for this year’s 4-H horse show. Twenty-three exhibitors provided still photographs and video showing their horses and ponies walking, trotting and running. These are the...
seed packet
Do not plant seeds of unknown origins
URBANA, Ill. – Mystery packages with unidentified seeds have shown up in mailboxes across the U.S. over the past week. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts urge people to never plant unidentified seeds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is...
Lawn rust and why your shoes are turning orange
URBANA, Ill. – The first hint of lawn rust often comes from the bottom of shoes, says Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Homeowners may notice...
Virtual 4-H shows build alumni relationships
DECATUR, Ill.— Traditional in-person 4-H shows will not be taking place this summer, but 4-H members still have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge learned in project areas. County shows have transitioned to a virtual format for this year which allows 4-H alumni from across the United...
Reduce your risk of diabetes with proper nutrition
URBANA, Ill. – More than one in three adults have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and many don’t know it. People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood glucose levels, which raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as type 2 diabetes. Those...
Master Naturalist training begins September 1
DECATUR, Ill. – Do you feel a connection to nature? Are you passionate about the environment? Why not use your skills and talents for the Master Naturalist Program through University of Illinois Extension. The Master Naturalist training program begins this fall and educates adult volunteers to...
Illinois Master Gardeners announce new volunteer website
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners donated 189,392 hours across the state in 2019, answering questions, leading programs, and volunteering at community garden projects. These 2,719 garden enthusiasts of all ages volunteer at local Illinois Extension offices to...
COVID-19 expense relief available for local governments
URBANA, Ill. - The Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Support Program, CURE, is federally funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund and reimburses local governments for costs specifically related to the COVID-19 public health emergency incurred since March 1, not previously budgeted...
Learn safe food handling, prep methods
URBANA, Ill. - Approximately one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne illnesses are not a minor inconvenience. In fact, the CDC estimates that foods...
Uncovering the financial nightmare of COVID-19
URBANA, Ill. - As COVID-19 continues to burden systems around the world, the economic shock and effects of business closures, unemployment, unrealized tax collections, and Medicaid expenditures are being analyzed. A webinar co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Institute of Government and...