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Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities

November 1, 2025

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 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finds that…

Register for in-person pesticide applicator training clinics, testing offered statewide

November 1, 2025

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 clinic offered across Illinois from December through…

Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference

October 30, 2025

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…

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A group of youth analyzing and identifying questions about a field corn plant as part of a contest.

October 2, 2024

Wesclin and Pontiac FFA youth crop teams advance to represent Illinois at regionals in Minnesota
URBANA, Ill. — Before heading back for the new school year, teams of high school students from across Illinois traveled to Champaign to put their crop scouting knowledge to the test. A lot of dedication to learning goes into knowing how to scout a farm field, and these youth teams proved they...

A person leaning forward to harvest a cabbage from the plant.

October 1, 2024

Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...

September 27, 2024

Study explores what families fight about: Communication, moods, and chores
URBANA, Ill. — Conflict in families can negatively affect individuals’ well-being and relationships. But what exactly do families today fight about, and is conflict in the home generally more severe between couples or between parents and children? A...

September 26, 2024

Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...

September 25, 2024

Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...

September 20, 2024

Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...

September 19, 2024

Learning and networking help volunteers, staff grow at Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener 2024 Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Gardens across Illinois take many forms. Apartment dwellers embrace balcony potted plants, flowers fill fields on rural roads and front yards in the suburbs, and neighbors come together to grow vegetables and find fellowship among their harvests....

September 19, 2024

Bringing horticulture into focus, new educator serving northern Illinois
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For over 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has been the single source of truth for millions of Illinois residents who need answers to gardening, planting, horticulture, and production questions. With changing food and...

September 18, 2024

Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...

Up close view of light purple berries growing on a green beautyberry plant.

September 16, 2024

Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...

The sun shining over a view of a grass pathway with a farm field on the left and tree line on the right.

September 16, 2024

Landowners can gain tips for success in today's market at Extension Farmland Owners Conference
URBANA, Ill. — Many moving pieces go into owning land. Ownership can often create questions and become stressful and overwhelming for the inheritor, purchaser, farmer, renter, families, and anyone involved.To assist with alleviating doubts about land ownership,...

September 12, 2024

The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...

A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.

September 6, 2024

Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...

View from the ground of a person pushing a lawn spreader putting on fertilizer.

September 5, 2024

Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...

A young girl places with her prize winning goat at the fair.

September 5, 2024

4-H youth place at regional showcase at the DuQuoin State Fair
DUQUOIN, Ill. – Through a partnership with Illinois Extension and the DuQuoin State Fair, 4-H youth demonstrated their knowledge and skills during the 4-H Regional Showcase at the 2024 DuQuoin State Fair.The showcase was held on three separate days, with a general show the weekend before...

Icons representing eight strategic priorities

September 5, 2024

Learning and impact guide vision for University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan
URBANA, Ill. — A committed mission, a bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and an evergreen commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-...

Illini Science Policy Program scholars at Policy Summit

September 5, 2024

Illini Science Policy Program scholars participate in policy summit
URBANA, Ill. — Just a month into their placements, scholars from across Illinois in the University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program attended the second annual joint Policy Summit hosted collaboratively by...

September 5, 2024

Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...

A herd of black and white Simmental cows grazing in a green pasture.

August 30, 2024

Orr Beef Center Field Day looks to strengthen beef producers' focus on herd health
URBANA, Ill. — Beef cattle producers can dig deeper into herd health and management research by attending the Orr Beef Research Center Field Day on Sept. 11. The meeting will be held at the...

August 29, 2024

Extension interim assistant dean, program leader sustains and strengthens community and economic development programs
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension experts have worked in communities around the state, providing research-based solutions for life’s everyday problems. In that time, Extension outreach efforts have evolved from...

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Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities

Register for in-person pesticide applicator training clinics, testing offered statewide

Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference

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