News Releases

Garden smarter, not harder: Free online Four Seasons Gardening series open
URBANA, Ill. – The growing season is in full swing and University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening summer series starting in June is here to help home gardeners be successful. Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois...

Community initiatives combat outmigration of young talent in rural areas
URBANA, Ill. ­­– In 2018, 86 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline, and almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent. “Outmigration of young adults impacts so many areas of the community, including school...

Midwestern farmers, ranchers can find tools to thrive with new resource center
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life can be stressful. Most pressures, such as weather, illness, injuries, loans, and regulations, are constant and uncontrollable. Now, Midwestern farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have direct access to a new tool to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, or...

New dairy cattle nutrition, management may improve production, profit
ST CLOUD, Minn. — The dairy industry fuels the U.S. economy, supporting nearly 3 million jobs directly and another 2 million jobs in related industries, according to the U.S. Dairy Export...

Save baby wildlife by stepping back; rescues rarely needed
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As boomer populations retire, communities can foster age-friendly opportunities
URBANA, Ill. ­­– By 2030, AARP estimates one in five people will be 65 or older, with that number growing to 77 million by 2034. Local government and community leaders hoping to attract this large population can...

Heirloom flowers provide fragrance, beauty, pollinator support 
URBANA, Ill. Spring brings thoughts of beautiful, colorful, fragrant blooms that brighten landscapes after a long winter.  But while many anticipate the arrival of the first flowers, pollinators, too, are on the lookout. Heirloom flowers provide them...

Opportunity Zones bring tax breaks to investors, develop underserved communities
URBANA, Ill. – Economically-distressed census tracts, designated as Opportunity Zones under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provide an incentivized avenue for taxpayers to contribute to long-term economic growth in underserved areas. The state of Illinois designated 327 tracts, the...

What’s in a name? Non-native species not the same as invasives
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Researchers call on backyard scientists to help save pollinators
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Planning, designing a native garden
URBANA, Ill. – Those who love gardening, wildflowers, or who are tired of mowing expansive lawns should consider creating a native plant garden. Gemini Bhalsod, a horticulture educator with...

Extension recognized for vital assistance to local governments, communities
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension continues to address the needs of Illinois communities affected by the pandemic, and its work is being recognized by the National Association for Community Development Extension Professionals...

Keep them around; snakes eat pests that eat your plants
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Small-batch culinary herbs add flavor to gardening menu
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State 4-H Hippology contest fosters passion for all things equine
URBANA, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent state educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...

Volunteers give 184,000 hours valued at $5.5 million to Illinois Extension
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Crop Scout School features 22 free, online training videos
URBANA, Ill. – The 2021 Virtual Crop Scout School available and free to the general public. The Scout School, offered through the Crop...

Meditation series supports mental health, well-being for school staff
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Meeting community housing needs is key to economic mobility
URBANA, Ill. –  Economic mobility in communities is tied to affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing costs nearly $2 trillion in lost wages and productivity and creates instability where children fail to thrive, according to the...

Youth gain skills with educational cooking kits during Mediterranean diet month
May is National Mediterranean Diet Month, and the University of Illinois Extension and 4-H have a fun opportunity to enhance youth cooking skills. Ill Extension has designed educational cooking kits to inspire the inner chef and educate youth about the Mediterranean eating plan. Register...