News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
Looking into the canopy of a poplar tree showing early fall color changing from green to yellow
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...
open air hous for indoor air quality
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...
a group of people stand in a wetland
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...
woman in chair on deck on her laptop surrounded by potted flowers
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...
person eating a healthy meal of fish and salad
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...
person planting spring bulbs during fall season
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...
Winners for Master Showmanship pose.
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...
People in hard hats handle equipment on the edge of a boat
Gulf of Mexico ‘dead zone’ below average, scientists find
NOAA-supported scientists announced today that this year’s Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” — an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and marine life — is approximately 4,402 square miles, 21% smaller than estimates from early June...
healthy school lunch in a lunch box with sandwich, banana, grapes and nuts
Back-to-School Made Easy: Healthy Meals & Waste-Free Lunches
As the school year kicks off, evenings quickly fill with homework, sports practices, activities, and looming deadlines. With so much on your plate, dinner shouldn’t be another source of stress. The good news? A little weekend prep can help you sail through the week with healthy, low-stress meals...