News Releases

Henderson County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Henderson County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 26. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career...
dill pickles
Overwhelmed by garden produce? Pickle it!
URBANA, Ill. – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty. While cucumbers...
orange and black monarch butterfly sits on pink swamp milkweed flowers
Give monarch butterflies something to munch on, plant native milkweeds
URBANA, Ill. – Imagine eating only one type of food your entire life. Your survival depends entirely on being able to find this food. This is the challenge monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, face every day as landscapes change nationwide and fewer native plants are available. But home...
Knox County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Knox County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 16. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career development...
Warren County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Warren County Fair 4-H Project Show on June 25. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career...
Large elephant leaf plants
Create backyard paradise with tropical plant garden
URBANA, Ill. – Summer may be the season for vacations, but if you can’t get away create your own backyard paradise with a tropical plant garden. Tropical plants can be planted in the ground or in containers and overwintered inside. Treat tropical plants as annuals in the Illinois...
A home effected by a natural disaster
Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take...
A close up of tomatoes growing off the vine
Tips to harvest garden vegetables at peak quality, flavor
URBANA, Ill. –  Whether you started your first garden this year or are a veteran grower, we’re coming up on the heart of harvest season. One of the advantages of homegrown vegetables is that you can harvest produce at its peak quality and flavor. But knowing when to harvest a crop...
McDonough County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the McDonough County Fair 4-H Mini Fair on June 24, and the General Project Show on July 6. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and...
A large open area being flooded
Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
  URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be...
Illinois Extension wordmark
Smart solar siting July 12 webinar discusses dual-use practices
URBANA, Ill. – States are working to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions by expanding renewable energy development. Recent models show that preferred sites — rooftops and brownfields — will not be enough to meet future energy needs. "The siting of solar energy projects...
small pigs looking at camera
New biosecurity resource helps producers protect pigs
URBANA, Ill. –The estimated economic impact over 10 years is $50 billion if African swine fever finds its way into the United States, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. And...