News releases

Explore impact of local trees at Illinois Extension fall tree planting workshops
URBANA, Ill. — Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to have improved air quality, reduced stress, and added personal comfort for surrounding residents, nature, and wildlife. “As we all have recently felt, Midwest summers are hot, and trees are a crucial part of our...

Helping families cope when headlines are overwhelming, Illinois Extension offers tips
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – From dinner table discussions to bedtime worries, when the news is filled with stressful situations, it can impact the emotional and physical health of young people and families. University of Illinois Extension shares resources...

Illinois 4-H’er selected as runner up for national 4-H award
Dahinda, Ill. – National 4-H Council has named Ellis Rogers of Knox County a national runner up for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Award. Rogers, 18, is recognized for her achievements and leadership in equine science. Ellis is a 10-year member of the Williamsfield Town and...

Asian longhorned ticks on the move, new detection found in Clay County
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was recently detected in a new county in Illinois, representing the third county in which it has been found following its ...

Will County volunteers recognized at 50th Anniversary Master Gardener Conference
JOLIET, Ill. — Local volunteers leading impactful local projects did not go unnoticed at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference, held Sept. 4-5 in Springfield. "Local Master Gardener volunteers are helping others learn to grow and are making a...

National Science Foundation invests in U. of I. ACES-led project to reduce grassland fire risk
The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced new funding to understand and reduce grassland fire risk in the Southern Great Plains. The five-year project is being led by grassland fire expert...

Clues about vanishing whip-poor-wills uncovered at birds’ wintering grounds
URBANA, Ill. — Often heard and rarely seen, the Eastern Whip-poor-will and its namesake nighttime call is an iconic Midwestern woodland bird. But like many other insect-eating birds, its numbers are declining....

Sustaining a healthy world starts in your backyard
From your backyard to the global ecosystem, everything in nature is connected. A core University of Illinois Extension program area —...

Celebrate food safety month by exploring Extension resources
URBANA, Ill. — September marks National Food Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices across all food system sectors, from farm to table. Whether people grow, process, sell, donate, or consume food, everyone has a role in reducing...

Superior Young Dairy Producer Award marks 30 Years of scholarships
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The 2025 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program was held Aug. 16 at the Illinois State Fair. Twelve 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois competed in the event, which promotes youth development, career preparation, and personal growth through increased...

lllinois experts offer panels, interactive exhibits, meet-and-greets at Farm Progress Show
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will showcase groundbreaking research, hands-on demonstrations, and expert-led discussions at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Visitors to the...

Illinois Extension youth crop scouting competition grows interest in agricultural careers
URBANA, Ill. — “You can be a doctor in agriculture or an engineer; there are so many things you can do in agriculture,” says Doug Gucker, local food systems and small farms educator with ...

Local youth represented at the 2025 Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – 127 youth from Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties recently competed at the state level at the 4-H General Project Show held August 8 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Award-winning 4-H members from across...

DeKalb County 4-H dominates Illinois State Air Rifle Competition
Bloomington, Ill. — August 2025 DeKalb County 4-H members made a powerful statement at the Illinois 4-H State Air Rifle Shoot, held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters in Bloomington. With seven of the top ten individual scores, DeKalb County emerged as the clear frontrunner in this year’s...

University of Illinois Extension announces NC State agricultural leader as its new director
URBANA, Ill. — Matthew Vann has been named the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, the flagship public engagement organization housed in...

Explore practical approaches to supporting mental health within the agricultural community
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers face unique stressors that can take a serious toll on their mental health, often at higher rates than the general population. To address these challenges, University of Illinois Extension...

Simple design changes can make bat boxes safer
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine moving into a new house just to discover it has no insulation. That’s what life can be like for a bat box resident.Bat boxes, a kind of artificial roost, are a simple and cost-effective way to increase habitat for these flying mammals. They’re a preferred spot for...

Illinois SNAP nutrition education program, U. of I. jobs cut
URBANA, Ill. In late July, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it will end a successful ...

Generations gather in Monticello to celebrate 75 Years of 4-H Memorial Camp
MONTICELLO, Ill. — On Saturday, July 19, alumni, families, supporters, and current and former staff gathered on the grounds of 4-H Memorial Camp, which is located within Allerton Park but independently owned and operated by Illinois 4-H, to commemorate the camp’s 75th anniversary. Since opening...

Grow successful made in the shade gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Did you know that despite Illinois' reputation as a prairie state, its landscape was once nearly a third forest? This fact opens up a wonderful world of native plants perfectly suited for shade gardens. Choosing these local beauties not only bolsters regional biodiversity but...