News & Media

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Illinois Extension strives to provide relevant, science-based information that serves residents and businesses in our area and across the state. From blogs featuring the best seasonal tips and techniques to news stories highlighting upcoming learning opportunities, we offer you impactful insights backed by the research and public engagement resources of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

News Releases

Woman showing two young kids and their mother some gardening information in a greenhouse.

February 5, 2026

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...

February 2, 2026

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...

January 29, 2026

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments, where they can pose a threat to natural ecosystems and the economy. This spring,...

A heart shaped design made from willow branches hanging outdoors as decor

January 29, 2026

Embrace nature’s snowy season with Illinois Extension Four Seasons winter webinars
URBANA, Ill. — With a bit of creativity and planning, winter activities can still include nature. Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

A tree trunk looking up at green canopy and the text "tri-state forest stewardship"

January 26, 2026

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

January 21, 2026

Your Best Garden Starts Here—Register for Home, Lawn, and Garden Day!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Cold temperatures may be keeping us indoors, but spring is just around the corner—a season many of us eagerly await as we look forward to getting back into our gardens. The good news is...

Members of Extension Academy and ACES/Extension leadership

January 14, 2026

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the...

January 14, 2026

McHenry County Agronomy Update Scheduled for February 18, 2026
Woodstock, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension will host the McHenry County Agronomy Update on February 18, 2026, providing producers, agribusiness professionals, and Certified Crop Advisers with timely insights on crop disease trends, weed...

January 13, 2026

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

December 30, 2025

Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension...

View looking from the ground up into a large tree filled with lush, green leaves

December 9, 2025

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

A group of people in front of a sign that says 50 years Illinois Extension Master Gardener

December 9, 2025

Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...

a gray and yellow songbird perched on a branch

November 4, 2025

Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...

Barbara Flores, Karn Mejudhon, Lorna Carlson, Mayor Tom McNamara, Margaret Larson

November 4, 2025

Winnebago Master Gardeners Recognized with Hunger Champion Award
WINNEBAGO, Ill.- Rows of produce, hands in soil, and hearts dedicated to making sure their neighbors are fed— that is what earned Winnebago County Master Gardeners this year’s Hunger Champion award at the 2025 Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners were recognized and...

November 1, 2025

Wetlands efficiently remove nitrogen pollution from surface water, leading to cost savings for municipalities
Wetlands are an important part of the ecological system, providing a myriad of benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. They also serve as “nature’s kidneys,” filtering out pollutants from surface water. A new study...

October 30, 2025

Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...

October 30, 2025

Hort for the Holidays Returns with Pinecone Tree Workshop
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Gardeners know that nature provides the best décor! At Hort for the Holidays, we’ll turn simple pinecones into stunning pinecone trees that celebrate the textures and tones of the season. From fall through winter, pinecones pair beautifully with greenery...

Wild ginger plant grows beneath a red oak tree.

October 29, 2025

Extension advances community-led Mattoon water quality solutions with Lumpkin Foundation Grant
MATTOON, Ill. — The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community...

Nancy surrounded by a group of kids gardening

October 28, 2025

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nancy Kuhajda
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight features...

October 27, 2025

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...