News releases

Learn essential tips for a better aging life experience
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face many changes and challenges, from losing loved ones to declining health and independence. That's why it's essential to give them the meaning they need to live this stage of life with dignity. University of Illinois Extension offers a free...

Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...

Competition builds camaraderie, sense of friendly competition
BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The best teenage 4-H shotgun shooters from Illinois gathered to shoot a full 100 rounds of trap shooting at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 23. A crowd of nearly 250 gathered for this event. Seventy shooters were on hand for this year’s competition....

Youth put archery skill mastery to the test
PEKIN, Ill. — Illinois youth gathered at a statewide competition on Sept. 16 to put their skill mastery in archery to the test. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun. “I know at first it appears odd to have...

McLean County youth named national award winner
WASHINGTON, DC  — National 4-H Council today announced the winners of the 2024 Youth In Action Awards, a national program sponsored by Bayer that recognizes four diverse young leaders who have made a positive impact in their communities. McLean County 4-H youth, Avani Rai, 17, was named a...

Master Naturalists get outdoors to connect with, support Illinois’ natural spaces
URBANA, Ill. — “Take a hike” takes on a new meaning when you go on a field trip with a Master Naturalist. You could be in a forest identifying plants when a bird call overhead has someone ask, “What was that?” You could be having ...

Report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest 
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Experts confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on September 18 according to a...

Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
URBANA, Ill. — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers...

Illinois 4-H seeks talented leaders for new Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee
URBANA, Ill. — National 4-H Week 2023 begins Oct. 1 and celebrates the nation's largest youth development organization. 4-H began in 1915 in Illinois with the first 4-H club, the Union Pig Club, in Macoupin County. Today the organization celebrates 108 years of 4-H youth development programming...

What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...

Explore mysterious creatures of Illinois with fall Everyday Environment series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois’ landscapes are home to various creatures, including native and invasive species. From mussels to lamprey eels in Lake Michigan to in the trees with bats and owls, join University of Illinois Extension to explore nature’s mysterious creatures....

Take steps to build a strong foundation for diabetes care
URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers Diabetes 101, a free online...

Tips for extending the garden’s growing season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season in a vegetable garden doesn’t have to end so soon. Stretch growth with techniques that extend the typical growing season past the point where crops would normally be grown outdoors. Protection from frosts can happen at either end of the growing season. A...

Tree identification workshop highlights importance of Illinois' native oaks
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to 21 different native oak species whose populations provide habitat and food for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to improved air and water quality, and provide residential shade benefits that help to reduce energy use. Gain a better...

Youth-led initiative creates local action, statewide change
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 Illinois State Fair Aug. 11-13. “In Illinois, over a million people face hunger,...

Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing. Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...

Illinois youth agronomy teams head to regionals with more than crop scouting knowledge
URBANA, Ill. — Providing youth an opportunity to experience what a career in agriculture would be like during high school can be vital in life decisions and the future of the ag industry. Youth participating in the Crop Scouting Competition held in August at University of Illinois ...

Focus on safety to prevent accidents during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season is beginning across the state, and for farmers, this means early mornings, long days, and the potential for exhaustion that can lead to accidents. University of Illinois Extension Specialist and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Assistant...

Extension grows agriculture connections at Farm Progress Show
DECATUR, Ill. — Agriculture is not just a job; it’s a way of life for so many, and it’s part of University of Illinois Extension’s mission to help. The 2023 Farm Progress Show, hosted Aug. 28-30 in Decatur, Ill., attracted...

Master Naturalists kick off native sale
URBANA, Ill — The East Central Illinois Master Naturalists are once again hosting their Native Tree and Shrub Sale. The ordering period will be open from September 5th through October 13 or as supplies...