News Releases

Planting Roots for the Future: Youth and Community Restore Native Oak Savanna in Round Lake Beach
Round Lake Beach, IL - On April 25, in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Week, more than 40 youth and their families came together in Round Lake Beach for a hands-on conservation effort focused on restoring Illinois’ native oak savanna landscape. The tree planting...

Young Illinois 4-H members showcase confident voice, speaking at statewide public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth from across the state demonstrated confidence, creativity, and communication skills during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign.The annual event brings together top youth...

4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...

U of I Extension to Host Educational Programs on Illinois Ticks and Small Ruminant Management on Monday, May 4
Lake and McHenry Counties- University of Illinois Extension in Lake and McHenry Counties will host two educational programs on Monday, May 4, offering Illinois residents timely information on the movement of invasive ticks and small ruminant health and management. Dr....

Illinois Extension and 4-H showcase statewide impact at inaugural Day at the Capitol
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the state Capitol on March 25 to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased...

Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...

Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...

Empowering Early Childhood Providers Through the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Lake and McHenry Counties —A new professional development opportunity is being offered to Illinois early childhood educators, focusing on strengthening both classroom practice and provider well‑being. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness for Early Childcare Providers is a 1...

After the storm: Illinois Extension shares resources for storm recovery, rebuilding, disaster preparedness
URBANA, Ill. — After strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions. Residents can navigate those decisions using research-based resources from...

Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...

ACES marks 150 years of the Morrow Plots, our nation's oldest research field
URBANA, Ill. — A lot has changed on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus since its founding in 1867, but a storied plot of land near the south quad has been preserved nearly intact for a century and a half....

Lake County Extension to Host One-Day Climate Resilience Workshops for Local Leaders and Residents
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — Lake County communities are already feeling the effects of a changing climate, from heavier rains and more frequent flooding to hotter summers and shifting seasonal patterns. To help both local governments and residents better understand these...

Lake County welcomes first class of Master Naturalists
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension officially launched the Master Naturalist program in Lake County in 2025, with 24 individuals completing the classroom portion of their training in the fall. Over the course of 12 weeks, trainees...

McHenry County Agronomy Update Spotlights Disease Pressures and Weed Resistance
WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension brought together producers, agribusiness professionals, and Certified Crop Advisers on February 18 for the annual McHenry County Agronomy Update, a program focused on the challenges farmers are likely to face in the 2026...

University of Illinois Extension Lake and McHenry Counties Announce New Course on Community and School Gardens
The University of Illinois Extension in Lake and McHenry Counties is launching an Introduction to Community and School Gardens Course Offering, designed to support teachers, school staff, parents, and community members who want to expand learning opportunities through garden‑...

University of Illinois Extension – Lake County to Host “Find Food. Share Support.” Training for Community Service Providers
 Grayslake, IL — University of Illinois Extension in Lake County will host a hands-on professional development session, “Find Food. Share Support" on March 25 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Extension Auditorium, located at 100 S US Hwy 45,...

Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...

4-H Youth Invited to Showcase Their Skills in Upcoming Public Speaking Contests
Grayslake and Woodstock, Ill. — Young voices from across Northeastern Illinois will soon take center stage as 4-H members prepare to showcase their communication talents at upcoming 4-H Public Speaking Contests. Designed to help youth build confidence, strengthen presentation...

University of Illinois Extension and Avon Township Expand Partnership to Enhance Youth Programming and Educational Opportunities
Avon Township Partners with University of Illinois Extension to Expand Youth ProgrammingAvon Township, IL  — The University of Illinois Extension and Avon Township have expanded their partnership to bring a broader range of youth programs and...

Little Roots 2026 4‑H Cloverbud Gardening Project Opens Registration for Young Gardeners
LAKE and MCHENRY COUNTIES — Families with young children are invited to dig into a summer of hands‑on learning as the Little Roots 4‑H Cloverbud Gardening Project opens registration for the 2026 season. Designed for children ages 5–7, this engaging program introduces budding gardeners...