News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
gloved hand holding packets of seeds over a container garden bed of lettuce
Gardening Terms Defined
Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States with an estimated fifty-five percent of households participating annually. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it is estimated that 18.3 million people tried gardening for the...
National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate the vital role that food plays in our lives. This year's theme, "Food Connects Us," emphasizes how food is more than just sustenance; it's a powerful connector of cultures, traditions...
A person leaning over to use garden snips to cut off a section of the houseplant for propagation.
From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...
trees behind a corn field
New agroforestry maps plot environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don’t mix. But agroforestry — the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems, such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures, or growing tree crops...
Sprinkle more kindness for heart-health benefits
Kindness is more than a simple act—it’s a heart-healthy habit. A study in the Journal of Social Psychology found that performing acts of kindness for seven days significantly boosted happiness. Whether it’s being kind to yourself, a friend, or a stranger—or simply witnessing kindness—these...
What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...
Children excploring outside
Connect with health information experts in the Springtime Science series
URBANA, Ill. — While technology has revolutionized access to health information, the proliferation of inaccurate and potentially dangerous content online presents a significant public health challenge. It is essential to develop collaborative models that bring together researchers, educators,...
Root Vegetables
Home Garden GuideRoot vegetables are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden, and Illinois’ climate makes it possible to grow various crops in the early season. This guide focuses on increasing cool-season root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, and parsnips...
Time to Thrive in 2025
As we step into 2025, it's the perfect moment to focus on holistic well-being. Thriving in the new year means embracing a balanced approach to physical, mental, and emotional health. Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator...
A plate filled with a variety of holiday cookies of shapes, colors, and flavors sitting on a wooden table next to evergreen holiday décor.
Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...