News Releases

Williamson County 4-H youth recognized at achievement night
Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year.The evening kicked off by recognizing 4-H members who served...
Randolph County 4-H youth celebrate high honors at achievement night
Through 4-H, youth learn leadership skills and can explore their interests through projects during the 4-H year. Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. The event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the...
Two people in a boat with nets on poles watch as dozens of carp jump out of the water
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
a woman draws a bat with chalk
First bat celebration takes flight to raise awareness about conservation
URBANA, Ill. — Bats are an iconic symbol of spooky season, and more than 800 people attended the first Central Illinois Bat Festival on Sept. 28 in Urbana for a celebration of all things batty, including exhibits on bat conservation, guest speakers, activities for kids, and an evening bat walk...
"2024 Awardees" with an image of glitter and trophies.
Perry County 4-H Celebrates Youth Achievements
Pinckneyville, Ill—Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year.The evening kicked off by recognizing 4-H...
Image of a group of women holding awards and smiling at the camera.
Family Life Educator honored with state and national awards
MARION, Ill. – Robin Ridgley, a University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions with both state and national accolades. She recently received a third place national Florence Hall Award from the National Extension Association of Family...
yellow native flowers bloom in a garden with a background of people on a bridge
Nature-inspired sustainable student art on display at Red Oak Rain Garden
URBANA, Ill. — Nature at the Red Oak Rain Garden celebrates autumn with the bright purples of blooming aster flowers, a mosaic of tree leaves drifting slowly to the ground, and the nighttime chorus of insects and owls as twilight settles in. This October, the “Illuminating Art in Nature” exhibit...
A green plant with tiny white flowers growing in the ground.
The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
a deer on the side of the road
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
The name of the webinar on the image of a bread in a basket.
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
An adult assists a young child with smashing a pumpkin at a composting event.
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o'-lanterns?With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across...
Yellow flower petals and seed heads covered in snow.
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Youth archers competing.
Youth marksmen put skills to the test
PEKIN, Ill. – Illinois 4-H recently held their statewide competitions in archery and shotgun for their teenage 4-H members that wanted to measure their mastery against their peers. 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador, Alex Paul of Wayne County 4-H, attended both events and...