News Releases

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 ...

New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...

'A gift to Illinois Extension is a gift to the community:' Illinois Extension empowers communities
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — This Giving Tuesday, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties invites you to consider a gift that will help strengthen communities and provide direct impact locally.  "A gift to...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Janet Moody
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight follows...

Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...

Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and...

One-day crops conference offers latest research on fertility, corn hybrids, and disease management
COVINGTON, In. - Area farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from Illinois and Indiana who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability. The conference will be held...

Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...

Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...

Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities
Wetlands are an important part of the ecological system, providing a myriad of benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. They also serve as “nature’s kidneys,” filtering out pollutants from surface water. A new study...

Register for in-person pesticide applicator training clinics, testing offered statewide
URBANA, Ill. — Lead with experience, safety, awareness, and knowledge to help ensure safer pesticide application with training from the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program. Sign up for an in-person training and testing...

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...

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...

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...

Extension advances community-led Mattoon water quality solutions with Lumpkin Foundation Grant
MATTOON, Ill. — The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nancy Kuhajda
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight features...

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

‘I am autistic and rabbit shows helped me:’ Showing livestock to be ‘Beyond Ready’ for life
MORRIS, Ill. – The 4-H program, Illinois’ largest youth development organization administered by University of Illinois Extension, prepares youth to be...