News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
Plant cover crops at home for healthier soils
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants. Using cover crops in the home garden is one way to promote soil health. Cover crops are non-harvested crops that add organic matter to the soil, transfer nitrogen to plants, and break up heavy clay or compacted soil. They are...
What will federal policy changes mean for local governments?
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois county governments are responsible for the administration of public policies and funds that impact their communities’ infrastructure, disaster relief measures, environmental health, transportation access, social services, child welfare, workforce and economic development...
Plant seeds for success with beginner vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you have a multi-row backyard vegetable plot or a patio with room for a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful gardening season. Over the past several years, there has been a surge of gardeners taking up the trowel for the first time to try...
Give houseplants new life with DIY kokedama moss balls
URBANA, Ill. – Free your houseplants’ roots this winter by creating organic art for your home through kokedama, a form of Japanese bonsai, where plants are grown in a special soil mix and wrapped in moss. Kokedama is a uniquely beautiful way to grow houseplants in a non-traditional way. ...
Give Christmas trees a second life after the holidays
URBANA, Ill. – Once holidays are over, the Christmas trees tend to come down. Instead of hauling this year’s tree to the dump or having the city pick it up, consider repurposing it in your landscape. University of Illinois Extension...
Poinsettias add a rainbow of color options to holiday décor
URBANA, Ill. – With their bright red blooms, Poinsettia’s are a holiday tradition, but buyers don’t have to limit their selection to one color. This winter, celebrate and decorate with a rainbow of Poinsettias. University of Illinois Extension...
Make a big difference on small farms with winter workshops
URBANA, Ill. – Every small farm is different. Direct market farmers sending produce to local restaurants have different needs than homesteaders getting started with livestock for the first time. But small farmers, hobby operations, and backyard growers alike can always trust University of...
Remember electrical safety when decking the halls
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While decorating can be one more thing to mark off an extensive holiday to-do list, take a little extra time when using electrical light strands or other plug-in decorations and while using a ladder. Holiday decorating-related injuries include those caused by falls,...
Make informed decisions on the farm with newest field research updates
URBANA, Ill. – Winter is a time for the agriculture community to pause and plan for the next growing season. Crop producers, consultants, and industry professionals can get the latest updates on Illinois crop production in person or online at the 2022 Crop Management Conference in January and...
Mental health matters: Learn how to respond when someone needs aid
URBANA, Ill. – Mental health and substance use issues are common. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health. From 1999 to 2016, 630,000 people died from drug overdose according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....
DIY bottle terrariums make great holiday gifts
URBANA, Ill. – Winter is that time of year where gardeners rest and plan for spring. But with the holidays, why not make loved ones plant gifts? Impossible bottles, or bottles with an object inside that doesn’t seem like it can fit through the bottle’s mouth, have been things of wonder...