A greenhouse with handing baskets of vibrant pink and white flowers.

2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series

Events and News

Jars of home preserved produce and herbs, corn, and tomatoes site by a window.

Summer Garden Wrap Up program in Eldorado

For many, the summer garden season is ending, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. There are many things you can do now to set your garden and pantry up for success over the winter.

On Sept. 22, join Extension at the Eldorado First Baptist Church to learn tips and resources for wrapping up the summer garden and ensuring the safety of your preserved harvest.

A group of people walk on a shaded path surrounded by green grass and shade trees.

Let's Walk for Wellness!

Walking is one of the most accessible and effective ways to improve overall health. Let's Walk for Wellness! is a program that will help you connect with others, build confidence, and take meaningful steps towards better health. 

Join Extension at the Paul Emery Park in Harrisburg and take the first step to better health!

A man sits on a bench under two large shade trees and looks on at a city in front of him.

Welcome Fall with new Four Seasons Gardening webinars!

It is that time again when shifting seasons are near. Keep the gardening conversations growing with two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s free Four Seasons Gardening series.

Bookmark the fall series webinars happening on Sept. 15 and Oct. 20

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center was established in 1934 near Simpson in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.

Learn more about ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois on the Dixon Spring Ag Center webpage. 

News Releases

A brown bat in a knot hole in a tree
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...
a girl kneels next to a dog and holds a blue ribbon
4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...
group of people standing in front of a 4-H backdrop
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...

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