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
Add a pop of color to gray winter months with indoor plants
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Adding a pop of color to the gray winter months helps combat depression that often accompanies long periods of time without sunshine. Learn to care for indoor tropical plants during a free webinar at 2 p.m. Dec. 17, presented by ...
Extend the life of urban forests with Urban Tree Conference
URBANA, Ill. – Trees can live hundreds of years, but from pests and diseases to improper care and installation, urban trees are not living as long as their forest counterparts. Many urban trees only live 20% of their life span. Whether you are new to tree care or a seasoned professional...
Learn from home with Good Growing Winter Webinars
URBANA, Ill. – From selecting and caring for a Christmas tree to creating a winter haven for birds, the University of Illinois Extension Good Growing Winter Webinar series has seasonally appropriate tips and tricks to keep you informed from the comfort of home this winter. Extension...
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) with yellowing and browning needles attributed to white pine decline. Photo Credit: Travis Cleveland.
When to worry about needle drop on white pine trees
URBANA, Ill. – Like their deciduous maple, oak, and dogwood neighbors, evergreen trees drop some of their foliage in the fall. But needle drop in white pine trees can also be a sign of something more serious. The University...
Lawn sign "2020 state outstanding master gardener award winner"
Illinois Master Gardener volunteers recognized for their dedication
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know the names of Illinois’ Master Gardeners, but you know their work. A hospital campus has a calming meditation garden tended by their hands. Urban homeowners have the confidence to plant after testing their soil and consulting with trusted experts. Under the...
Use fall leaves in home compost
URBANA, Ill. – As fall approaches, homeowners begin to think of what to do with the falling leaves. Composting is an option which helps the environment, says Duane Friend,...
Keep deer away from your plants this fall
Deer can wreak havoc on plants during fall and winter months. University of Illinois Extension offers advice to help homeowners reduce damage from deer. Exclusion "Fences offer the best way to control deer damage in certain situations; however, large-...
Small lawn tasks now may mean beautiful lawns next spring
KANKAKEE, Ill. – Fall is the perfect time to repair any lawn damage. As lawns go dormant, a few simple techniques may make the difference for beautiful spring lawns, says James Theuri, University of Illinois Extension educator.  "Fall weather means there is less watering...