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

June 18, 2026

Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...

man, woman, young man standing in front of plants in containers

June 17, 2026

Illinois Extension brings community together through container gardening workshops in Cairo and Metropolis
CAIRO and METROPOLIS, Ill. — Community members across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties recently came together to learn, create, and grow at the Container Gardening Workshops hosted by the University of Illinois Extension at local food donation gardens in...

Students hold up signs that say "welcome to the plant sale"

May 29, 2026

“Helping students become good people”: Union School students showcase months of learning at annual plant sale
JOLIET, Ill. — After 27 weeks of planting, watering, learning, and preparing, students at Union School District 81 welcomed community members to their annual plant sale on Friday, May 15, the end-of-year showcase of the University of Illinois Extension...

Woman showing gardeners a pollinator garden.

May 27, 2026

Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month
URBANA, Ill. — Planting native flowers in a backyard, patio container, or community garden can provide critical food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This June, in recognition of National Pollinator Month, University of Illinois Extension encourages community members to...

A brown with a pink stripe hummingbird moth using its proboscis to collect nectar from a pink zinnia flower.

May 22, 2026

Add sunshine and new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer
URBANA, Ill. — Summer activities around the garden can be fun and a way to spend a little more time outside. Take a break from the sun to watch two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

Youth walk across a log and play in the forest

May 14, 2026

Extension brings Joliet schools to the outdoors with support from ExxonMobil
JOLIET, Ill. — For many years, University of Illinois Extension and Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers have brought youth from six...

A group of people in the woods watch a man demonstrate something

May 5, 2026

Find solutions for managing plant pests with hands-on training in Introduction to Invasive Species Management course
URBANA, Ill. — When it comes to managing invasive plants, having hands-on experience can be the difference between stopping an invasion before it takes hold and watching a single species overrun a forest. This...

people at a community tree planting event

April 29, 2026

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...

Six people, some wearing branded University of Illinois apparel, stand inside a greenhouse

April 24, 2026

“The kitchen table of the University:" Statewide tour highlights Extension’s local impact
JOLIET, Ill. — From neighborhood gardens to community partnerships, University of Illinois Extension is helping residents access research-based solutions close to home. Members of the Illinois Extension leadership team saw that work firsthand during...

Two Master Gardener volunteers holding bug nets

April 22, 2026

'It's more than plants and landscapes:' Recognizing horticulture volunteers during National Volunteer Week
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — In communities across Illinois, the impact of a vegetable garden or a monarch waystation often begins long before the first seed is planted. It begins with a volunteer. During National Volunteer Week, University of Illinois Extension...

A 4-H member shows a volunteer judge his small engine project

April 19, 2026

Illinois Extension volunteers drive $353K in local impact across three Northern Illinois counties
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For more than a century, University of Illinois Extension has developed educational programs, extended knowledge, and built partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land grant...

April 8, 2026

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....

People at a table talk to others a sign in the background says "Lake Michigan"

April 3, 2026

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...

March 30, 2026

Find solutions to manage non-native plants and animals at Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — From new invasive species threats to updates on how to manage them, the world of invasive species is always changing. Learn about emerging invasives, explore management options, share ideas,...

March 30, 2026

Illinois Extensions brings lifelong impact to Grundy, Kankakee, and Will communities in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For more than a century, Illinois Extension has worked side by side with communities to turn knowledge into action. Housed within the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences...

An orange and black monarch butterfly lands on a milkweed bloom

March 16, 2026

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...

fallen, storm-damaged tree lies over a residential driveway

March 13, 2026

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...

Native plant illustrations on a yellow background with the text "Rain Garden Rumble"

February 25, 2026

Root for your favorite native plant to help crown 2026 Rain Garden Rumble champion
URBANA, Ill. — Let the garden games begin with the return of the annual Rain Garden Rumble, where nature and gardening enthusiasts get to pick the champion in this native-plant-playoff. This botanical bout —...

A group of Master Naturalists standing in a field by a river

February 20, 2026

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...

February 12, 2026

New series helps residents grow groceries, saving money in the process
BOURBONAIS, Ill. — Growing affordable, fresh produce at home is something that many people are interested in, but can often feel out of reach.  Whether due to lack of experience, uncertainty about what...