News Releases

A tornado in a field with a graphic of a warning sign with a tornado on it.
Help protect your community as a trained storm spotter
BENTON, Ill. – In preparation for peak weather season, Illinois Extension is partnering with the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and the US National Weather Service-Paducah to offer storm...
A graphic of a bird flying through snow above pine trees.
Bundle up and explore Southern Illinois nature through birding walks
Murphysboro, Ill. – Winter and early spring are wonderful times to explore local nature. Join Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser for a leisurely walk to admire birds!  Learn to identify our feathered friends in some of our local sites. All ages and experiences are welcome, and binoculars are...
Person holding two chickens and smiling at the camera in a chicken coop.
Register for a local 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training session
URBANA, Ill. — Depending on an operation’s size, livestock manager training certification is required for many Illinois production livestock facilities. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals responsible...
a vegetable garden in a neighborhood
Scaling up urban agriculture: Research team outlines roadmap
URBANA, Ill. — Urban agriculture has the potential to decentralize food supplies, provide environmental benefits like wildlife habitat, and mitigate environmental footprints, but researchers have identified knowledge gaps regarding both the benefits and risks of urban agriculture and the social...
Money basics logo
Opportunity to learn practical money management strategies
URBANA, Ill. — Navigating financial management can often seem overwhelming and intimidating, particularly for those uncertain about how to begin. Studies have shown that financial stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, having access to practical...
Black Angus cow standing in a snowy, grassy pasture amongst evergreen trees.
Discuss beef cattle management at Dudley Smith Farm winter meeting
URBANA, Ill. — Discussions and decisions made during the winter months can impact managing a beef cattle operation all year. The Dudley Smith Winter Farm Meeting is a chance to come together to learn through the farm’s traditions, sustainable agriculture practices, and hands-on research...
Several different succulent plants in a small planter
Did you forget to water your plants? Try low-maintenance succulents
URBANA, Ill. — Liven up your home this winter by introducing carefree and cheery succulents. Succulents offer interesting shapes and colors with their unique fleshy, plump leaves. The best part is they are relatively simple to care for if you can provide ample light. A few easy-care...
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Learn tips for a healthy pregnancy, toddler nutrition
URBANA, Ill. — The 1,000 days between a person's pregnancy and their child's second birthday offer a unique opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future, so knowing how to care for mother and baby during this period is vital. The University of Illinois Extension...
Agriculture Climate Tools Workshop
Weather a changing climate on the farm now and in the future
URBANA, Ill. — The only thing certain about modern farming is that things are always changing, and today’s weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Growing seasons are shifting, and extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common. University of...
A split image of a peach tree and a blueberry bush.
Extension to offer February programs on fruit trees and small fruits
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Fruit trees and small fruits can add a sweet addition to your home landscape or garden. Join Extension for two free programs in February to learn how to grow a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit right outside your back door. Growing fruit trees can be a rewarding...
Two senior adults walking together with a map behind them.
Free program helps seniors navigate change while they age
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, Ill. – Learn to navigate change as you age through a free program on Feb. 22 at Prairie du Rocher Community Library hosted by University of Illinois Extension. Change can be hard. Everyone is aging, and many changes happen along the way – physically, mentally, and...
a corgi dog standing in deep snow
Keep dogs safe this winter
URBANA, Ill. — As the days inch further and further into winter and frigid temperatures, Dr. Pavlovsky, director of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic, has important...