Immeasurable impact gained through dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
URBANA, Ill. — They are friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are University of Illinois Extension volunteers.These volunteers make a difference in their...
Extension bridges gap between environmental research and real-world solutions
Strong natural systems and the resources they provide, from water filtration to renewable energy sources, are a vital part of healthy, robust communities. One of the core University of Illinois Extension program areas – natural resources, environment, and energy – connects communities across the...
Illinois Extension to train new wave of community compost leaders
URBANA, Ill. — From reducing waste to enriching soil, composting plays a vital role in creating sustainable communities. This spring, learn to be a composting leader with University of Illinois Extension's Compost Ambassador program.The five-week training program, which began in Cook,...
What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...
Finding Balance: Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. With more than 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic condition and 40% managing two or more, it is more important than ever that you...
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address...
Head Start staff invited to learn about BMI measurement, communication best practices
URBANA, Ill. — Every year, Head Start programs collect children’s body mass index data and communicate results to families to address childhood obesity in enrolled children. In a recently published research article, Head Start staff across the country shared that there is a lack of guidance on...
New Illinois Extension educator returns home to support local food growers
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — From raising animals and bees to fruit and vegetable production, University of Illinois Extension strives to help small farms thrive. This summer, a new Extension educator joins the team to specifically support local food production in Kane, DuPage, and Kendall counties....
Illinois 4-H teams shine at National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships
Grand Island, Neb – The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships, held from June 23-28, 2024, saw over 700 4-H teenage youth from more than 40 states gather to compete in various shooting sports disciplines, including shotgun, archery, rifle, and pistol, in an Olympic-...
Discover, Learn, and Connect at McHenry County's 2024 Farm Stroll
WOODSTOCK, Ill. – Join us for the annual McHenry County Farm Stroll on Sunday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and explore 10 family-owned farms and one student farm across the county. This free, self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about local agriculture...
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.
“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.
Various...
