News Releases

'I knock on the door and I say this is what I do... It’s free': SNAP-Ed’s human touch leaves a lifelong impact
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — The SNAP-Ed program, which offers free nutrition and healthy lifestyle education for people eligible for SNAP benefits, is nearing its final chapter due to a loss...

Grundy County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
MORRIS, Ill – University of Illinois Extension in Grundy County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “Today, we want to take the time to recognize the achievements of 4-H members who, quite literally, are making the best better every day,”...

Kankakee County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “This year we want to take the time to recognize 4-H members who have accomplished so much during this past program year,” said...

Kankakee 4-H recognizes youth recipients of the ‘I Dare You’ award
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County announced this week the recipients of the 2025 Kankakee ‘I Dare You’ award. “The Kankakee County ‘I Dare You’ award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and character in 4-H and the...

Local 4-H program recognizes accomplished individuals with local Alumni awards
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have announced the recipients of the 2025 4-H Alumni Award.  This award recognizes individuals who were previously in 4-H and whose contributions to society exemplify effective...

Local 4-H program recognizes the impact of volunteers, announces milestone recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have recognized the impact of volunteers on the local 4-H programs in the three counties and recently announced milestone winners.“Illinois 4-H volunteers are empowering and...

Will County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
JOLIET, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Will County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “At the end of the year, we want to take time to recognize 4-H members and volunteers for their outstanding contributions during the past 4-H...

Oglesby Agronomy Summit provides knowledge for on-farm success
OGLESBY, Ill. – Discover how biologicals, pesticides, and climate are shaping the future of agriculture at the Illinois Extension Agronomy Summit, hosted at Illinois Valley Community College.  This year’...

Grundy 4-H recognizes Kathy Wise, Grundy County Clover Supporters as 2025 Friend of 4-H recipients
MORRIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy County announced last week the recipients of the 2025 Grundy County Friend of 4-H Awards.  Recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in helping the 4-H program and Grundy County members, this award is presented to organizations...

The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows
The ubiquitous plastic beverage bottle makes up about half of plastic waste collected for recycling in the U.S. Most recycled plastic is processed domestically, but a portion is traded overseas. A new...

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...

Local Illinois Extension staff recognized at 2025 Extension Annual Conference
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-long learning first-hand, staff gathered in Urbana  in late November at the...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase local landmarks and community pride in November building bricks challenge
URBANA, Ill. — From historic courthouses to farm fields and favorite outdoor destinations, Illinois 4-H youth turned their hometowns into miniature masterpieces for the November 4-H Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, themed “Hometown Pride.” The monthly contest challenges invite youth to...

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...

Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...

Next-gen leaders: Illinois 4-H teens selected for national summit delegation
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud to announce the state’s delegation of 26 teen leaders selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place Mar. 25 - 29 in Washington, D.C. This premier national event brings together high school-aged youth from across the...

Terrestrial biodiversity grows with tree cover in agricultural landscapes
Farmers plant or preserve riparian buffers for various reasons, such as improving water quality, controlling erosion, or maintaining hunting habitat. Now, a new study from the ...

Fruit and vegetable growers cultivate knowledge and success through Extension program
MT. VERNON, Ill. — Growing fruits and vegetables comes with plenty of challenges and unknowns. Producers can count on Illinois Extension's up-to-date, practical research to guide their production decisions. Community members can make plans now to attend the 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and...

Annual research-backed training yields results for commercial fruit tree growers
HARDIN, Ill. — Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Growers can get current research-based information to help their tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern...