News releases

Faced with environmental challenges, Illinois Extension Master Naturalists sow seeds of hope
MACOMB, Ill. — The beauty of autumn in west central Illinois is not subtle. Amber swaths of blooming goldenrod are adorned by monarch butterflies under a bright blue sky, which only ends when it meets the expanse of Illinois River wetlands, filled with the calls of migrating birds. This vibrant...

Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...

Youth marksmen put skills to the test
PEKIN, Ill. – Illinois 4-H recently held their statewide competitions in archery and shotgun for their teenage 4-H members that wanted to measure their mastery against their peers. 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador, Alex Paul of Wayne County 4-H, attended both events and...

Wesclin and Pontiac FFA youth crop teams advance to represent Illinois at regionals in Minnesota
URBANA, Ill. — Before heading back for the new school year, teams of high school students from across Illinois traveled to Champaign to put their crop scouting knowledge to the test. A lot of dedication to learning goes into knowing how to scout a farm field, and these youth teams proved they...

Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...

Study explores what families fight about: Communication, moods, and chores
URBANA, Ill. — Conflict in families can negatively affect individuals’ well-being and relationships. But what exactly do families today fight about, and is conflict in the home generally more severe between couples or between parents and children? A...

Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...

Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...

Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...

Learning and networking help volunteers, staff grow at Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener 2024 Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Gardens across Illinois take many forms. Apartment dwellers embrace balcony potted plants, flowers fill fields on rural roads and front yards in the suburbs, and neighbors come together to grow vegetables and find fellowship among their harvests.Illinois...

Bringing horticulture into focus, new educator serving northern Illinois
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For over 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has been the single source of truth for millions of Illinois residents who need answers to gardening, planting, horticulture, and production questions. With changing food and urban landscapes, it can be hard...

Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...

Youth-led initiative helps fight hunger through State Fair event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the...

Landowners can gain tips for success in today's market at Extension Farmland Owners Conference
URBANA, Ill. — Many moving pieces go into owning land. Ownership can often create questions and become stressful and overwhelming for the inheritor, purchaser, farmer, renter, families, and anyone involved.To assist with alleviating doubts about land ownership,...

Teens take on new challenges as statewide healthy living ambassadors
Urbana, Ill. – Three Illinois teens stand ready to take on new challenges as they begin their work on the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador (HLA) team.The HLA team is comprised of teen 4-H members who were chosen for their ability to lead, mentor, and teach in order to inspire...

The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...

Bond County youth takes top honors at youth dairy contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The 2024 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program was held Aug. 18 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Eighteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois took part in the event to test their knowledge and...

Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...

Learning and impact guide vision for University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan
URBANA, Ill. — A committed mission, a bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and an evergreen commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension’s new,...

Illini Science Policy Program scholars participate in policy summit
URBANA, Ill. — Just a month into their placements, scholars from across Illinois in the University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program attended the second annual joint Policy Summit hosted collaboratively by Illinois...