News Releases

bee in bee hotel
Check-in your bee hotel to support pollinator research
URBANA, Ill. — Bee hotels buzz with activity, but is it the right kind? A graduate student at University of Illinois is researching bees and needs help, in the form of donated used bee hotels, from the public to understand if these man-made nests are helping or harming bee populations in...
Diabetes Clinic
Extension's Diabetes Clinic Explores the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
EUREKA, Ill. – Wellness encompasses multiple dimensions that work in harmony to help us achieve optimal health and well-being. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to discover how to give attention to each dimension of wellness while finding the right...
Two blooming Amaryllis flowers
Bloom in the winter with gift of amaryllis bulb kit
URBANA, Ill. — The gift of gardening is an experience anyone can appreciate this holiday season. Take the stress out of shopping this holiday season and give a blooming amaryllis kit that brings the beauty of nature indoors. Poinsettias are beautiful, popular holiday plants, but the gift...
Growing Great Vegetables
Dig in with confidence with spring vegetable gardening workshops
URBANA, Ill. — Growing a vegetable garden takes work, but sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. Grow with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series from University of Illinois Extension that explores everything from seeds and soil to a...
Team members pose with ribbons.
4-H youth showcase agricultural excellence at national competition
Louisville, Ky. — 4-H youth headed to the North American International Livestock Exposition to compete in educational contests held as a part of the exposition held Nov. 2-16 in Louisville. The expo drew more than 27,000 livestock entries from...
Illinois 4-H team poses with ribbons and medals.
Illinois 4-H teams make history in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. -- Illinois 4-H had a record-breaking day at the North American International Livestock Exposition. For the first time ever, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H Quiz Bowl. For the second year in a row, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H...
An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Senior winners pose with banners.
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Food Management
Certified Food Protection Manager course coming to Eureka
EUREKA, Ill. – Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. University of Illinois Extension offers the Food Protection Manager Certification course and examination, which is required every 5 years. University of...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
Diabetes Clinic
Join the fun at Extension’s Diabetes Clinic holiday party
EUREKA, Ill. – Learning about our health can be a challenge to add to busy schedules. Hit pause and join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, for the final diabetes clinic class of the year. The diabetes clinic holiday party will meet from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on...
A white tailed deer crosses a road in fall
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and...
Ribbons
Extension’s diabetes clinic finds the fuel to fight cancer
EUREKA, Ill. – Food is one tool to support cancer prevention, treatment, and care. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to discuss the research on how foods may reduce your risk of cancer and ways to incorporate nutrition to help manage side effects of...
A woman with her back to the camera faces a dumpster full of pumpkins as she smashes them with a bat
Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
CHICAGO, Ill. — Jack-o’-lanterns live a short, scary life. That is unless they are catapulted, hurled, or whacked into a compost pile after spooky season is over. Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins after the holiday at one of more than a dozen University of Illinois...
Master Gardener
Livingston County Master Gardener receives state awards
  PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate Livingston County Master Gardener, Diana McGuckin, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on...