News Releases

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...
4- H members holding their awards
Fulton County 4-H to host Achievement Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event
Fulton County 4-H will host its annual Achievement Awards program along with a Volunteer Recognition Event at the Donaldson Center located at 250 S. Ave D in Canton, on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. All 4-H members and their families are welcome and encouraged to attend. All 4-H volunteers will...
two men in the woods
Invasive plants are no match for local Extension Master Naturalists
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — When certain plants get established in an ecosystem, they can choke out the more beneficial native plants. Left unchecked, those invasive species can destroy the native ecosystem and natural beauty. Local volunteers have a passion for eradicating invasive plants, and thanks to...
lady on a zip line
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. –  For those who live in a small town the benefits of small town living seem obvious. However it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
Up close view of light purple berries growing on a green beautyberry plant.
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
View from the ground of a person pushing a lawn spreader putting on fertilizer.
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
Wendy Johnson
Extraordinary Fulton County volunteer honored
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.  Wendy Johnson, a nine-year volunteer in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless...
Zaya Peirce
Fulton County graduates receive 4-H scholarships 
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H is honored to recognize seven high school graduates for their outstanding 4-H accomplishments and leadership. Thanks to scholarship funds established by local donors, $6,700 was awarded this year.Washita...
Purple background with gradient, Master Gardener logo, and "2024 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference" text.
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...