News releases

Rediscover your love of the outdoors with University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist Training
OTTAWA, Ill. – Do you love spending time outside? Do you enjoy sharing your curiosity about the natural world with others? If so, the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program may be the perfect fit for you.The Master Naturalist program connects adult learners with...

4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...

Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...

Illinois Extension and 4-H showcase statewide impact at inaugural Day at the Capitol
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the state Capitol on March 25 to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased...

Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Olivia Koerner
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...

Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...

Illinois Extension welcomes three new local 4-H staff members
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is strengthening the mission of preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life with the addition of three new staff members serving...

Find solutions to manage non-native plants and animals at Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — From new invasive species threats to updates on how to manage them, the world of invasive species is always changing. Learn about emerging invasives, explore management options, share ideas,...

New webinar series supports adults in strengthening long-term health
URBANA, Ill. — Millions of adults in the United States live with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, often facing daily challenges that affect their health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Managing these conditions requires reliable information, practical...

Illinois Extensions brings lifelong impact to Grundy, Kankakee, and Will communities in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For more than a century, Illinois Extension has worked side by side with communities to turn knowledge into action. Housed within the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences...

Frequent prescribed burns help young oaks thrive despite invasive grasses, Illinois study finds
URBANA, Ill. — As winter comes to a close, many people look forward to warmer temperatures and spring blooms, but for land managers working to preserve or restore oak-dominated forests, it is prescribed burn...

Youth can strengthen crop scouting skills at statewide Illinois Extension competition
URBANA, Ill. — There is no better way to check in on a crop field than to take a walk down a row. Youth looking to strengthen their agronomy skills or share what they already know can do so while competing with a team at the...

Teens step up to lead: Illinois 4-H ready to expand Teen Teachers Program to prepare youth for the future
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is expanding its nationally recognized Teen Teachers program through a competitive grant opportunity from National 4-H Council and Lilly Endowment Inc., positioning young people across the state to be beyond ready for college, careers and community leadership....

Illinois Extension Launches Hygiene Drive with Local Hygiene Pantry
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – University of Illinois Extension is proud to host a hygiene product donation drive in support of the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County. The Hygiene Drive runs from April 1 to April 30. Community members are invited to donate various acceptable hygiene products.  ...

Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...

After the storm: Illinois Extension shares resources for storm recovery, rebuilding, disaster preparedness
URBANA, Ill. — After strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions. Residents can navigate those decisions using research-based resources from...

Illinois 4-H expands workforce pathways with foodservice credential program for teens
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is preparing teens to be beyond ready for careers through a new initiative that connects youth with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program will help...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase skill and precision at state meat judging contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana. A total of 56 4-H members...

Local ag leaders and 4-H youth gather to talk about the quality care of animals
YORKVILLE, Ill. — From farms to the marketplace, the future of agriculture depends on raising animals responsibly and ethically. On Saturday, local 4-H members from Grundy and Kendall counties gathered at the Kendall County Fairgrounds to learn from industry leaders about practical insights on...