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Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs

February 5, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow skills at University of Illinois Extension…

Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options

February 5, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now, consumers can keep battery toxins out of landfills…

Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference equips agriculturalists for upcoming growing season

February 3, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — How individuals strategize their next farming season can differ from one farmer, landowner, producer, or industry professional to the next. University of Illinois Extension’s online-only Crop Management Conference allows more time to plan and strategize with the resources most…

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December 8, 2025

Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...

Two photos one of a creek with grass on the banks the other a wide stream with trees along it

December 3, 2025

Terrestrial biodiversity grows with tree cover in agricultural landscapes
Farmers plant or preserve riparian buffers for various reasons, such as improving water quality, controlling erosion, or maintaining hunting habitat. Now, a new study from the ...

A basket of fresh vegetables with the words 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School.

December 3, 2025

Fruit and vegetable growers cultivate knowledge and success through Extension program
MT. VERNON, Ill. — Growing fruits and vegetables comes with plenty of challenges and unknowns. Producers can count on Illinois Extension's up-to-date, practical research to guide their production decisions. Community members can make plans now to attend the 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and...

Peaches on a tree with 2026 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School text.

December 3, 2025

Annual research-backed training yields results for commercial fruit tree growers
HARDIN, Ill. — Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Growers can get current research-based information to help their tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern...

December 2, 2025

New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...

December 1, 2025

Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...

Side view of a person reaching towards an apple hanging from a tree branch

November 22, 2025

Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Looking into a side view of soybean plants growing in soil with below soil level roots exposed

November 12, 2025

Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...

a gray and yellow songbird perched on a branch

November 4, 2025

Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...

November 1, 2025

Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities
Wetlands are an important part of the ecological system, providing a myriad of benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. They also serve as “nature’s kidneys,” filtering out pollutants from surface water. A new study...

A large room completely filled with people sitting in chairs at tables listening to a training presentation.

November 1, 2025

Register for in-person pesticide applicator training clinics, testing offered statewide
URBANA, Ill. — Lead with experience, safety, awareness, and knowledge to help ensure safer pesticide application with training from the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program. Sign up for an in-person training and testing...

October 30, 2025

Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...

A deer jumping into a road in front of a car on a foggy morning

October 30, 2025

Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...

October 30, 2025

University of Illinois Extension responds to rising food access needs
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois...

Wild ginger plant grows beneath a red oak tree.

October 29, 2025

Extension advances community-led Mattoon water quality solutions with Lumpkin Foundation Grant
MATTOON, Ill. — The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community...

An old black and white photo next to jars of soil in the Morrow Plots

October 27, 2025

The 1887 law that powers modern agricultural science
Agricultural innovation requires more than ideas — it demands acres of land, barns full of livestock, fleets of equipment, and teams of specialists who keep it all running. Few research enterprises are as complex, costly, or foundational as agriculture.For nearly 140 years, the...

October 27, 2025

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

A field overtaken by the invasive plant Sericea lespedeza

October 24, 2025

Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...

October 22, 2025

Learn latest agricultural research from Illinois Extension experts at Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research impacting farms today while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show,...

October 20, 2025

Beam signing cements progress on a mission-centered gathering place for University of Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is poised to have its first central facility in its 100+ year history by Spring of 2027. The high-impact, geographically dispersed organization serves the state as the outward-facing public good unit...

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Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs

Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options

Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference equips agriculturalists for upcoming growing season

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