News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris
URBANA, Ill. - There aren’t very many plants that come in a wider range of color than iris. In the past 50 years, thousands of cultivars in various colors, sizes, and forms have been developed. "I have about 20 cultivars of bearded iris in my garden including a small white and lavender...
Rural Resilience virtual course gives farmers tools to manage stress
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life is stressful. Rural communities face unique mental health risks, but it can be hard to talk about it. “I’ve heard stories of farmers who would drive three hours to a mental health seminar; not because there wasn’t one closer,” says...
Project learning never stops in 4-H
The Illinois 4-H youth development program empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship. Youth, organized in clubs,...
Homeowner’s guide to watering summer lawns
URBANA, Ill. – “To water or not to water the lawn” is a perennial discussion for homeowners says Richard Hentschel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture...
Extension to continue online events, 4-H shows in July
URBANA, Ill. – As the state of Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the coronavirus Restore Illinois plan, University of Illinois Extension continues to provide research-based educational programs for families, farmers, and businesses in formats that support public health and safety priorities....
Learn to manage pests and diseases in the home landscape
URBANA, Ill. – As the days get longer and wetter, gardens come alive but so do many other organisms. Join Horticulture Educator Austin Little as he discusses common garden pests and diseases through a proactive plant...
COVID creates shortage of PPE for pesticide applicators
The shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) extends beyond medical staff and first responders. Pesticide applicators are struggling to find the equipment required by law. Sales of respirators, face shields, and N95 face masks are being directed to health care and front-line workers,...
Know your health insurance options if you lose your job
URBANA, Ill. - With businesses shutting down temporarily or scaling back staff, employees should consider the impact of layoffs on their health insurance coverage before their existing coverage ends to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage. "Health care coverage is critical...
4-H offers STEM challenges that can be done from home
ST. CHARLES – Put those building bricks, recyclables and other items lying around the house to good use, get techy on your computer or tablet, or explore your backyard or neighborhood with DuPage, Kane and Kendall County 4-H’s free Stay-at-Home STEM Challenges. “These weekly challenges...
Are murder hornets here in Illinois; not likely
URBANA, Ill. - There has been a recent surge of interest in an invasive insect pest, the Asian Giant Hornet (AGH), or Vespa mandarinia. AGHs are the largest hornets in the world and are identifiable by their size and distinct bright yellow or orange heads. While well known for their large...
Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...
Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.  The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...