News & Media

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Illinois Extension strives to provide relevant, science-based information that serves residents and businesses in our area and across the state. We offer impactful insights backed by the research and public engagement resources of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Extension Forestry News
Extension Forester Chris Evans shows off homemade maple syrup at a workshop.
Maple syrup workshop continues sweet tradition with tenth-annual event
SIMPSON, Ill. — Each February, local participants brave the cold to learn more about maple syrup production at an annual workshop at Dixon Springs Ag Center. The event is a fun day for the entire family, with a 4-H fundraiser pancake breakfast to start the morning and hands-on activities for...
A man leans on a tool outside by a tree surrounded by a group of people
Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
URBANA, Ill. — As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban...
A tree trunk looking up at green canopy and the text "tri-state forest stewardship"
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...
A large green circle with the words Gateway Green Conference in the center.
Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...
A deer jumping into a road in front of a car on a foggy morning
Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...
Looking into the canopy of a poplar tree showing early fall color changing from green to yellow
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
a group of people stand in a wetland
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...