Make Your Food Donations Count This Holiday Season
MILAN, Ill. – The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. But in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. With the federal government shutdown now entering its fifth week, SNAP benefits for nearly 1.9 million Illinois residents are set to end on November 1. Food pantries...
A Thanksgiving Table Reimagined
Across Illinois, the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive—not in the form of a golden turkey, but in the warmth of community and creativity. With rising food costs and reduced SNAP benefits, many families are turning to local food pantries for support. But this year, turkeys are scarce, and vouchers...
Make Food Waste One Tradition You Leave Behind
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate abundance, gratitude, and togetherness. It’s also a perfect moment to reflect on how we can make the most of our food—not just on the holiday, but all year long. Did you know the average family loses $1,500 annually to wasted food?...
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
Recycle pumpkins with a smash at Illinois Extension fall community composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Whether picking out pumpkins from a field or carving fun faces for jack-o'-lanterns with friends, pumpkins naturally give off fall vibes. But what happens when they start to decay on the porch or countertop, and it’s time to say goodbye? Where do they go? Many think...
Breathe Easier This October: 7 Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
October is Healthy Lung Month, a timely reminder to prioritize lung health and early detection. With most people spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, the air inside our homes plays a critical role in overall well-being. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or heart disease...
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
Grow Smarter—Virtually! Join Gardening in the Air
(MILAN, Ill) Get ready to dig into inspiration! University of Illinois Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up to present Gardening in the Air, a free virtual symposium designed for plant lovers of all levels. This interactive online event brings...
Healthy Aging Month: Nutrients of Need as We Age
September is Healthy Aging Month, a great time to reflect on how our nutritional needs evolve over time. As we age, our bodies absorb and process nutrients differently, and certain vitamins and minerals become especially important for maintaining health and vitality. While a balanced diet is the...
Late Summer Gardening To-Dos
Late summer gardening may not have the glamour of spring planting, but it’s a powerful time to set your landscape up for success. A little effort now means healthier plants, fewer weeds, and a more vibrant garden come spring. Here are some key tasks to tackle in your landscape before fall fully...
Don’t be in the dark when it comes to power grid resiliency in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Power is readily available at the flick of a switch, but what does it take to make that happen now and in the future for everyone? This September, representatives from the Union of Concerned Scientists will join University of Illinois Extension...
4-H Master Showmanship stars shine at 2025 Illinois State Fair
Springfield, Ill. —The 25th Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest took place on Friday, Aug. 8, , drawing talented 4-H members ages 14 to 18 who had already earned their spots by winning county-level competitions. Hosted in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau, the...
