Thriving Communities webinars offered for grant navigation, strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — Sustainable development in Illinois encounters challenges in balancing resource demand with responsible management. Transitioning to sustainable infrastructure involves substantial investment and planning, including upgrading existing structures for energy efficiency and...

Illinois Extension selected to establish environmental assistance center to help Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, is funding the creation of Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers to help rural and underserved communities access state and federal funding for environmental...

Illinois Extension announces 2024 scholars in program promoting public service careers
URBANA, Ill. — The Illini Science Policy Program, administered by University of Illinois Extension, is excited to name nine University of Illinois graduates to its fourth class of ISPP Scholars. By...

Art and culture: A path to progress and community development
URBANA, Ill. — Artists, arts organizations and collectives, and arts activities, in general, can play a valuable role in economic and social development, as well as in the long-term sustainability of communities. Creating artistic spaces fosters connections across sectors to improve physical and...

Illinois Groundwork provides community resources and guidance for creating community green infrastructure
URBANA, Ill. – During large rainstorms, many Illinois residents brace themselves for flooding in their basements, streets, and neighborhoods. Illinois Groundwork, illinoisgroundwork.org, is a new free, online tool for communities and stormwater...

Belusko takes on new role as community and economic development educator
URBANA, Ill. – Central Illinois is building its service to community with the addition of staff devoted to community and economic development. Valerie Belusko has advanced to community and economic development educator serving...

Cairo food donation garden work wins award for community champion
URBANA, Ill. – An Extension employee’s work to fight food insecurity in her community has earned her Extension’s Excellence in Diversity Award. Sarita Sawyer, community outreach worker, has been very instrumental in recruiting diverse volunteers for the Cairo Pilot Food Donation Garden....

Extension empowers Central Illinois to grow with new community and economic development expert
HAVANA, Ill. – From giving small businesses tools to thrive to building up resilient rural towns, the University of Illinois Extension community and economic development team supports municipalities big and small around the state. Illinois Extension in...

New video series highlights five revitalized Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Many Great Lakes communities that have carried the burden of legacy pollution for decades have an opportunity for a new lease on life when local waterways are finally cleaned up. A new video series features...

New translation specialist improves Extension’s outreach to multilingual communities
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has translated on-campus research into practical tools and information to help communities across the state solve problems. Now, that power of translation will give multilingual communities in Illinois full access to...

New Watershed Outreach Associate aims for clear waters through community engagement
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re managing a large farm or running a lawn care company, how to manage nutrient and water resources effectively and sustainably isn’t always clear. The University of Illinois Extension team of water specialist experts...

New leadership announced for Illinois Extension regions
URBANA, Ill. – As the outreach arm of the state’s land-grant university, University of Illinois Extension translates research and knowledge into practical applications for Illinois residents to help them create solutions to local challenges. Extension has a local presence in every...

Avoid injury, fines, power outages by calling 811 before digging
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — National Safe Digging Day, or 811 Day, is upon us. Easy to remember because of its 8/11 date, the day is a good reminder to get underground utilities marked prior to breaking ground. Having utilities marked is free and easy to do; simply call 811 two to three business days...

Reduce impact of extreme temperatures on power grid
  URBANA, Ill. - The National Weather Service reports that portions of the Midwest have experienced record-breaking, early-season heat, including numerous record highs and heat index values above 105 degrees....

New cohort of Illini Science Policy Scholars prepares to serve Illinois’ diverse communities
URBANA, Ill. – A career in the public sector is about meeting the dynamic needs of Illinois’ diverse populations. University of Illinois Extension's Illini Science Policy Program (ISPP) matches...

Funds available to districts to replace school buses
URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar to help...

Addressing inequities to create a vital STEM workforce in Illinois
URBANA, Ill – A collaborative effort between the University of Illinois School of Social Work and Illinois Extension is working to address social inequities that negatively impact the vitality of the...

Illinois alumna Ogwal named new policy director for Illinois Office of Lieutenant Governor
URBANA, Ill – Public policy informs planning, funding, and implementation of solutions to address real-world challenges for Illinois communities and requires motivated leaders whose work amplifies the voices of those most challenged. Susan Ogwal has been named new policy director for the...

I-Rural: Helping communities meet increased demand for rural tourism
URBANA, Ill. – Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Illinois. Now, rural Illinois communities are getting help to reimagine the potential for tourism growth and sustainability. Pandemic restrictions generated renewed interest in rural outdoor activities....

Map reveals widespread lead pollution in Chicago backyards, parkways
URBANA, Ill. – In backyards and community gardens across Chicago, growers tend fruit and vegetable crops as diverse as the city they live in. Most have one thing in common – lead lurking in the soil. Legacy lead, leftover from paint, gasoline, and other sources, lingers in the...