News Releases

Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...

Calling all pollinator fans: University of Illinois seeks citizen scientists
For the second year, University of Illinois Extension is calling all lovers of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our crops and gardens growing to join scientists in tracking their distribution and habitat use across the state. Potential volunteers may r...

Master Gardener program offers online training
URBANA, Ill. — For nearly five decades, Illinois Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow. From...

Family challenge helps curb distancing blues
...

Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.  The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...

What's Next: legal challenges related to COVID-19 for local governments
Local officials and agency staff in Illinois need to stay current with potential legal challenges related to COVID-19. To help navigate this ever-changing landscape, University of Illinois Extension, partnering with the Illinois Association of County Board Members...

Document family history with free writing workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Family stories are gifts from one generation to the next. Keep those stories alive with a little help from the Life’s Moments - From Memory to Legacy writing workshop launching May 5. In this fun and interactive virtual series, the University of Illinois Extension...

Enjoy home-grown asparagus with backyard gardening webinar
...

Website serves ag, natural resource industries
URBANA, Ill. - A trusted resource now has a new look. University of Illinois Extension has launched a new website to address agricultural and natural resource issues...

Thermal composting speeds process
URBANA, Ill. – Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away. Creating compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent...

Don’t let social distancing stop you from seeking shelter
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With recent severe storms ripping across several southern states, those needing to take refuge in a public storm shelter face a unique dilemma. Which is more important, social distancing or seeking refuge from a tornado? As bizarre as that question might sound,...

Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows
URBANA, Ill. – As public health and government officials consider the next phase of managing the Coronavirus pandemic in Illinois, organizers of traditional summer events and activities are considering options. University of Illinois Extension, the...

Creative cooking with fewer ingredients
Making fewer trips to the grocery store does not have to mean boring meals or the same meal every night. Cooking with five ingredients or less is a money saver, takes less time to prepare the meal, and uses less equipment resulting in fewer dishes. “Cooking with fewer ingredients can be...

Wildlife-Friendly Gardens Add More Enjoyment and Interest
...

Webinar offers best practices for disabilities in workforce development
URBANA, Ill. - Workforce development programs are now more equally accessible to persons with varying abilities, with the goal of helping every person prepare for, find, and maintain quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. ...

Learn tips for keeping your brain fit
URBANA, Ill. – Staying fit doesn’t only mean exercising and eating healthy foods. With age, it’s important to do activities which keep our brains fit and healthy, as well as our bodies. Beginning May 7, University of Illinois Extension will...

Guidance for local governments on OMA compliance
...

Hemp Grower Spotlight: Sulcanna
FREEPORT, Ill. -- University of Illinois Extension will continue with their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Friday April 17th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other growers and agribusiness professionals to come together...

How to Prune Fruit Trees for a Healthier Home Orchard
...

Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...