News Releases

Illinois Extension offers training on how to use activity-based teaching tool
URBANA, Ill. — University of lllinois Extension is offering a one-hour online training, "Moments Matter: Terrific Teachable Moments for Early Childhood Professionals," to introduce the TTM app and explain its operation, importance, and...

Be a part of the history of soils in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Your land, your soil may have been part of an historical and extensive soil sampling program dating back to 1899 by University of Illinois. University researchers and Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council are...

Get Creative and Learn New Skills at 4-H Winter Workshops
(MILAN, Ill.) Get ready to get creative and learn new skills at 4-H Winter Workshops offered through University of Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties. There's something for every interest. Class sizes are limited, so register early to get a spot. ...

Get the dirt on growing healthy plants
URBANA, Ill. – Become a better gardener and find success nurturing plants indoors and out. Learn best practices for home gardening from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators in the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series that begins...

In-person PSEP Private Applicator Test is Jan 24 in Milan, IL
(MILAN, Ill.)  University of Illinois Extension is offering an in-person private applicator PSEP test only on Tues., January 24 at their Rock Island County office located at 321 W 2nd Ave., Milan, IL. There will be two session to choose from: 9 a.m. – noon, or 1 – 4 p.m. Seating capacity is...

Reset Your Health in the New Year with Illinois Extensions’ 8 Dimensions of Wellness Self-Guided Series
(MILAN, Ill.) University of Illinois Extension has a great opportunity to help you reset your health journey in all areas of your life for the New Year through their 8 Dimensions of Health Self-Guided Wellness Series. Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator leading the program said, "...

Illinois Extension Plans its 24th “Nursery School- Lessons in Gardening” Symposium for Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark
(MOLINE, Ill.) Get inspired and grow your horticultural knowledge at Nursery School: Lesson in Gardening, the Quad Cities’ premiere gardening symposium! Organized by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, it will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 8 am – 3 pm at the Vibrant...

Give your green thumb a hand, join vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Dig in with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series that will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Whether growers have several acres or a patio with a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful...

IL Extension Seeking Donations of Coats, Hats, Gloves for Community Outerwear Closets in Milan, Viola and Galva, IL
(MILAN, Ill.) Help your neighbors stay warm this winter! University of Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties will be collecting gently used or new outerwear for kids and adults - coats, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves. They will be given away starting in...

Illinois Extension offering Master Gardener Hybrid Training this winter. | Gift certificates available.
(MILAN, Ill.) Take your love of gardening to the next level by becoming a Master Gardener through University of Illinois Extension. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who are interested in gardening and the environment. They participate in an extensive training program and...

Researchers explore soil erosion nutrient runoff in Illinois waterways
URBANA, Ill. - A team of Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) scientists was awarded a grant from the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council to quantify streambank erosion across the state and its contributions to phosphorus (P...

4-H Welcomes New Members to Join – Learn more at Kick-off Event Oct 1 at Niabi Zoo
4-H offers a place where kids can belong, lead, and “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities. 4-H is open to youth ages 8 to 18 who are brought together in clubs led by caring adults who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family. September is the beginning of the new 4...

Build money management skills early for a solid financial future
URBANA, Ill. — Building positive money habits early in life paves the way for long-term financial stability, but navigating topics such as spending, saving, investing, and managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially for young adults who are tackling financial responsibilities for the first...

Geneseo/Atkinson Food Pantry adopts healthy practices and policies to ensure its guests have access to nutritious foods.
(GENESEO, Ill.) Many households served by food pantries include people having to cope with diet-related chronic diseases. To improve overall health, doctors recommend people eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as whole wheat bread and pasta, low sodium foods, lean protein,...

Make informed decisions for your beef herd
BAYLIS, Ill., – Producers weigh management options to build profitable cattle herds. Researchers at this year's Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will review several management practices to consider. The field at begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred...

Fall gardening is your time to plan for beautiful spring
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production take year-round effort. University of Illinois Extension provides timely tips in its fall edition of the popular Four Seasons Gardening horticulture workshops.  Each...

McCoy's Extension leadership expanded with appointment as assistant director
  URBANA, Ill. – Janice McCoy has provided University of Illinois Extension educational programs and leadership for residents of Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties for more than 20 years. Now, McCoy will oversee 39 counties in western and central Illinois as the region's newest...

Gardening advice now available 'in the air'
URBANA, Ill. – Gardening in the Air filled a void during the early pandemic days. With the increase of home gardening, the Extension programs of Illinois and Iowa transitioned in-person workshops into online opportunities and introduced gardening to a new generation. To reflect the online nature...

Head to Orr Agricultural Center July 20 for an agronomy-focused field day
As summer 2022 rolls on, so do the events of this year’s University of Illinois Agronomy Days. Farmers in the know are keeping a close watch on the summer-long calendar of events providing practical, research-...

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...