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...
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...
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...
Brain Health Series Success
SAVOY, Ill – Earlier this month, local residents gathered for four sessions of the research-informed series, Brain Health – It’s A No Brainer at Windsor of Savoy. This series educated adults about normal memory change, highlighting healthy brain contributors, and strategies to improve...
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,...
Champaign County 4-H wins national livestock judging contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Champaign County 4-H Livestock Judging Team claimed first place at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest held Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., earning an invitation to represent the United States at the International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland in the summer of...
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...
Connecting Families Through Canning
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Local residents gathered at the Illinois Nutrition Education Program office on October 14 for a few hours for a hands-on canning workshop led by Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Rachel Mannen.This workshop’s roster was unique, as the...
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...
Youth handlers shine at 2025 4-H state dog show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Dog Show was held on Oct. 4 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Sixty-six 4-H members represented their home counties across Illinois in 118 individual runs made in partnership with their canine companion. Members who received a qualifying score at...
Upgrade Your Charcuterie Board in Illinois Extension Workshop
DANVILLE, Ill – Interested in learning how to build a stunning and nutritious charcuterie board? Join Extension Program Coordinator Vanessa Jones on November 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM for a fun, hands-on charcuterie board workshop at the Danville Public Library (319 N Vermilion St., Danville, IL...
Illinois Extension brings Double Feature to Windsor of Savoy
SAVOY, Ill – Figuring out how to stay healthy and effectively plan for the future can be stressful enough. Ease those worries with the University of Illinois Extension’s Double Feature at Windsor of Savoy (401 Burwash Ave Ofc, Savoy, IL 61874)....
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Preserve the Flavors of Fall with Illinois Extension
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Learn how to preserve favorite fall flavors through canning! Join Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen on Tuesday, October 14, from 9 AM to 12 PM at 201 W. Kenyon Rd, Suite 3, Champaign, IL 61820, for a fall-themed canning workshop.Participants...
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...
Illinois Extension Offers Brain Health Series in Savoy
SAVOY, Ill - Join Family Life Educator Emily Harmon for Brain Health - It's A No Brainer! at Windsor of Savoy. This is a research-informed series that educates adults about normal memory change and aging, highlights healthy brain contributors, and offers tips and strategies...