News Releases

5 takeaways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion in watershed management
URBANA, Ill.  – Achieving clean water goals requires the inclusion of diverse views and considering the equity of impacts and solutions; yet, underrepresented communities don’t always have a voice in watershed planning efforts. At a symposium as part of a 2022 Climate Intersections...

Innovation, compassion at Dixon Springs ag center fuel food access
URBANA, Ill. – People in and around Pope County need access to free and for-sale fresh produce like never before. High tunnels allow Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) to grow fruits and vegetables for its neighbors all...

Youth get hands-on look at future in food science
Urbana, Ill. – Fifty-six youth from across Illinois got a hands-on look at a future in food science at a recent 4-H Food with Food Science virtual workshop held Feb. 16. In this interactive experience, youth were able to work with food scientist and 4-H alum, Linda Perucca, to learn more about...

Foundation awards scholarships for 4-H excellence, mastery
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...

Illinois teen leaders chosen for first-of-its-kind national leadership summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nineteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit held March 9-12 in Washington D.C. Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected...

Grow confidence when choosing seed packets for your garden
URBANA, Ill. — When planning a garden, seeds are an inexpensive investment when compared to buying plants. Gardeners have three basic seed selection choices: hybrid, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds. What is the difference?Hybrid seeds, also called F1 hybrids, are developed by plant...

How have Illinois soils changed over 120 years? U of I scientist needs your help
URBANA, Ill. – When he heard an old barn on the University of Illinois campus was scheduled for demolition, soil scientist Andrew Margenot went to investigate. Inside, on dusty shelves, he discovered a time capsule in the form of thousands of jars of soil from around the state, some dating as...

Illinois Extension to create holistic regenerative ag course
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ agriculture industry is rooted in its soil. Now, University of Illinois Extension is continuing to invest in the earth by developing a regenerative agricultural program to bring healthy soil practices to farms and gardens statewide. The North Central Region...

7 tips to reduce spread of norovirus during stomach flu season
The stomach flu is likely caused by norovirus, a group of related viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This highly contagious virus has several strains and spreads quickly from person to person, causing mayhem...

Grow the best new flower and vegetable varieties with 2023 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. –  Another Illinois winter comes to a close after rain, thunderstorms, and snow replenish the soil moisture. A welcome cure for those winter blues has been the arriving garden catalogs and planning for spring. What new garden challenge is your goal for this year? A theme...

West suburban students benefit from a unique approach to career exploration
WESTCHESTER, Ill.- Being introduced to coding lights the spark. Applying what you have learned to build an animation creates the dream. Visiting a college campus and being exposed to careers that use coding skills can change that dream into a goal. ...

Researchers seek information on close encounters of the deer kind
Researchers at the University of Illinois are asking adults in Illinois to complete an online survey about their experiences with wild white-tailed deer. The survey is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)...

Protect Illinois forests by removing invasive garlic mustard this spring
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, early blooming ephemeral flowers are a welcome sign from nature that winter is almost over. But Virginia bluebells, mayapples, spring beauties...

IPT bulls average $4,400, exceed previous sales
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This year's Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale average exceeded all previous sales, averaging $4,440 on the 49 lots offered Feb. 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.  "This sale continues to be one of the best sources for total performance...

Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss
URBANA, Ill. – Midwestern agriculture contributes the vast majority of nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico, causing an oxygen-starved hypoxic zone and challenging coastal economies. State and federal policies have tried for decades to provide solutions and incentives, but the hypoxic zone keeps...

HCE sponsors free presentation on bees with local Master Naturalist
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Do bees hibernate in the winter? Why is a swarm a good thing for the colony? How important is pollination for our food supply? Get answers to these and many other buzz-worthy questions in a fun, informative presentation by beekeeper and University of Illinois Extension Master...

Illinois Extension offers training on how to use activity-based teaching tool
URBANA, Ill. — University of lllinois Extension is offering a one-hour online training, "Moments Matter: Terrific Teachable Moments for Early Childhood Professionals," to introduce the TTM app and explain its operation, importance, and...

Evaluate and adjust: Four Seasons Gardening wins state evaluation award
URBANA, Ill. – A popular Extension gardening program was honored by University of Illinois Extension for its dedication to constant evaluation and adaptation of educational programming. The Four Seasons Gardening series addresses home and community garden issues that encourage residents to...

Be part of a successful deer donation program
URBANA, Ill. – In response to rising food and meat prices and the challenges food pantries have in obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension, along with key partners, launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This 12-county pilot program fought food insecurity by matching...

Illinois Strong Couples program earns Extension Excellence Award
URBANA, Ill. – Unmitigated, chronic relationship distress can significantly impair the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the broader community. A University of Illinois Extension program was recently honored for its innovative approach to offer education and coaching for...