Blog Posts

Wetland at the edge of a wooded area
Read article: Constructed wetland for water quality: Wetlands, NARPS, and advocacy
Constructed wetland for water quality: Wetlands, NARPS, and advocacy
In episode 72 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, Mila Marshall of...
Duane Friend teaching at a conference
Read article: Time to say farewell to your weather Friend
Time to say farewell to your weather Friend
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This author will be heading out to pasture and retiring in May after working with University...
field of plants with light blue flowers with trees in the background
Read article: From Central Illinois (Bloomington): Weather update
From Central Illinois (Bloomington): Weather update
Overall, the last month has featured typical spring conditions in Central Illinois, with moderate temperatures and average precipitation. However,...
person talking and holding a microphone
Read article: Spring has sprung
Spring has sprung
From Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist. Spring temperatures have been very typically variable so far across the Midwest. Average temperatures...

News Releases

A large agriculture-related dust cloud over a farm field
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023 traffic accident that took the lives of eight...
A tractor pulling equipment tilling across a farm field causing dust
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...
a group of people having a discussion outside sitting in the grass
Local Climate Stewards can lead to big changes with new environmental program
URBANA, Ill. — Climate change is a complex global challenge, but local action has an important role in empowering communities and building resiliency. The new University of Illinois Extension Climate Steward course trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in...

Videos

Forecasting the Weather: A Day in the Life of a Meteorologist

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a weather forecaster on a local television station? Go behind the scenes with TV weather reporter Nick Hausen, WSIL TV 3, as he shares a day in the life of a meteorologist. Video by Illinois Extension in...

Forecasting the Weather: Keeping Your Family Safe in Severe Weather

Severe weather events can be scary, but knowing what to do in these situations can help to keep you and your family safe. TV Meteorologist Nick Hausen talks about what you should do and where you should go to be prepared during severe weather watches and warnings to stay safe. Video by Illinois...

Staff

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Change Specialist