News releases

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
URBANA, Ill. — Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

Champaign-Urbana Named Dementia Friendly Community
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – On December 5, Champaign-Urbana was officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly community. The Dementia Friendly Community recognition comes from Dementia Friendly America®. Dementia Friendly America is a national collaborative group whose mission is to encourage communities...

Small builds, big stories: Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity in December Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Tiny spaces sparked big creativity for Illinois 4-H youth during the December Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, where participants were tasked with designing detailed mini scenes for the theme “Habitats.” Youth created small diorama-style builds for a minifigure, roughly 2....

Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...

Illinois 4-H team earns strong finish at national poultry and egg conference
URBANA, Ill. — An Illinois 4-H team earned top honors while competing in the Poultry Judging Contest at the 2025 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The four-member team placed 11th overall among 24 states competing in the contest....

Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nicole Alvarado
MORRIS, 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...

Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension...

'I knock on the door and I say this is what I do... It’s free': SNAP-Ed’s human touch leaves a lifelong impact
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — The SNAP-Ed program, which offers free nutrition and healthy lifestyle education for people eligible for SNAP benefits, is nearing its final chapter due to a loss...

Grundy County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
MORRIS, Ill – University of Illinois Extension in Grundy County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “Today, we want to take the time to recognize the achievements of 4-H members who, quite literally, are making the best better every day,”...

Kankakee County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “This year we want to take the time to recognize 4-H members who have accomplished so much during this past program year,” said...

Kankakee 4-H recognizes youth recipients of the ‘I Dare You’ award
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County announced this week the recipients of the 2025 Kankakee ‘I Dare You’ award. “The Kankakee County ‘I Dare You’ award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and character in 4-H and the...

Local 4-H program recognizes accomplished individuals with local Alumni awards
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have announced the recipients of the 2025 4-H Alumni Award.  This award recognizes individuals who were previously in 4-H and whose contributions to society exemplify effective...

Local 4-H program recognizes the impact of volunteers, announces milestone recipients
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties over the past month have recognized the impact of volunteers on the local 4-H programs in the three counties and recently announced milestone winners.“Illinois 4-H volunteers are empowering and...

Will County 4-H recognizes 2025 youth award recipients
JOLIET, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Will County recently announced the 2025 youth award recipients for the 2024-25 program year. “At the end of the year, we want to take time to recognize 4-H members and volunteers for their outstanding contributions during the past 4-H...

Oglesby Agronomy Summit provides knowledge for on-farm success
OGLESBY, Ill. – Discover how biologicals, pesticides, and climate are shaping the future of agriculture at the Illinois Extension Agronomy Summit, hosted at Illinois Valley Community College.  This year’...

Grundy 4-H recognizes Kathy Wise, Grundy County Clover Supporters as 2025 Friend of 4-H recipients
MORRIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Grundy County announced last week the recipients of the 2025 Grundy County Friend of 4-H Awards.  Recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in helping the 4-H program and Grundy County members, this award is presented to organizations...