News Releases

Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other ecosystem...
2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether it’s inspiration for future backyard projects or meeting a new must-have plant, for 19 years the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day has given Central Illinois gardeners the tools they need to grow.   This annual gardening conference will be 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., March...
Live happy, healthier, wealthier lives; Extension can help
URBANA, Ill. – We're never too young or too old to learn valuable lessons that keep us fit, healthy, happy, and financially sound. In a tradition which has lasted decades and adapted with the changing world environment, Lessons for Living are monthly workshops which provide easy-to-understand...
4-H helps feed hungry families in their communities
URBANA, Ill. – Families across Illinois have more food on their table, and youth are leading the way.  4-H is investing in the next generation of food access leaders with a first round of Food Advocacy Grants aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities. ...
Engage youth in emergency preparedness
GALESBURG, Ill, – Ready in the Middle is an emergency preparedness initiative focused on pre-teens, teens, and their families. Developed for youth ages 10 -19, RITM gives youth participants and their families an opportunity to identify risks and hazards in and around their home by taking part in...
Four Seasons Gardening webinars return in 2021
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening series will return in 2021 with three monthly webinars starting in January. Horticulture educators will lead seasons on winter fruit tree pruning, the therapeutic value of nature and adaptive gardening to...
4-H series teaches teens to be leaders
MARSHALL, ILL. – Known for instilling leadership skills in youth, Illinois 4-H knows the importance of meeting teens right where they are and encouraging them to be leaders now.  The online leadership series, 30 on Thursday, will encourage teens ages 13-18, once a month for six months to learn...
Grow great vegetables with beginner gardening webinar series
URBANA, Ill. – The spring of 2020 saw a surge of gardeners taking up the trowel for the first time to try their hand at growing vegetables. This year come prepared with Growing Great Vegetables, a seven-week webinar series covering the basics of starting a vegetable garden start to finish led by...
Master Gardener program offers two online training options
URBANA, Ill. — For 46 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged. From farms and small-town...
Every day is a good day for environmental stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – The environment impacts daily life. From planning for the day's weather to stewarding natural resources, there's a part of everyone to play. Small changes in daily lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on the environment. University of...
Attend every session of 2021 Illinois Specialty Crop Conference
URBANA, Ill. — Adapting to new strategies throughout the pandemic, Illinois' specialty crop producers are pivoting, again. The annual Illinois Specialty Crop Conference will bring Illinois growers together through its new interactive,...