Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
University of Illinois Extension responds to rising food access needs
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois...
Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...
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...
Start selecting 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Sale bulls
URBANA, Ill. — Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo in...
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...
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Fall soil amendment educational program to take place at Dewey Farm & Greenhouse
ELDORADO, Ill. – Growing a great garden starts with the soil. Fall soil preparation can be the key to a healthy, successful garden next spring! Join Extension educator, Bronwyn Aly, to learn about soil amendments, including cover crops, compost, manure, and more, on Tuesday, October...
2025 State 4-H Fishing Tournament Reels in Record Participation
URBANA, Ill. — The fifth annual Illinois 4-H Hooks-Us-Together statewide fishing tournament concluded with a record-setting year, drawing 321 entries from 4-H youth across Illinois. The virtual event, held during May, June, and July, challenged participants to submit...
