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
Illinois Master Gardeners announce new volunteer website
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners donated 189,392 hours across the state in 2019, answering questions, leading programs, and volunteering at community garden projects. These 2,719 garden enthusiasts of all ages volunteer at local Illinois Extension offices to...
Showy Annabelle hydrangea has historic roots in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. - The ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea has been a mainstay of the ornamental shrub world since its release in the 1960s. This showy shrub is filled with beautiful snowball-like flowers that adorn its spindly branches each summer. The blooms begin as pretty green puffs that turn white at...
A volunteer helps remeasure the state champion water tupelo.
Illinois’ big trees are on the map
URBANA, Ill. – From the depths of the Shawnee National Forest to backyards in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois’ biggest trees are branching out. For the first time, the state’s champion trees are now available as an interactive digital map.“For more than 58 years, the Illinois Big Tree...
Get out of the sun with 5 ideas for backyard shade
URBANA, Ill. - Relaxing outdoors while surrounded by plants is a great stress reducer. As temperatures heat up, you can prolong your time outside by creating some shade in your yard. "Shaded areas let you stay outside longer without getting exhausted from the sun,"...
Forestry website supports Illinois woodland owners
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension forestry program launched its newly designed website making it easier for forest owners to access the tools they need to manage their woodlands.   “Our new website was developed to help educate, advise and assist the public with...
Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris
URBANA, Ill. - There aren’t very many plants that come in a wider range of color than iris. In the past 50 years, thousands of cultivars in various colors, sizes, and forms have been developed. "I have about 20 cultivars of bearded iris in my garden including a small white and lavender...
Homeowner’s guide to watering summer lawns
URBANA, Ill. – “To water or not to water the lawn” is a perennial discussion for homeowners says Richard Hentschel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture...
Have a garden question? The answer is only a click away
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re ankle-deep in water in your yard or are trying to introduce children to gardening, you can trust University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts for the answer. In addition to dozens of blogs and workshops, one can now watch live webinars and join a new...
Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day
University of Illinois Master Gardeners and Naturalists will be hosting an Annual Spring Fling/Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL. If you are new to gardening or have a lifetime...
All Levels of Gardening Experience Encouraged to Attend Gardeners’ BIG Day
One might think that after 20 years of coordinating a program that we would run out of new and exciting topics, but the opposite is true for Gardeners’ BIG Day 2020. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have a spectacular line up of presenters for the 20th event anniversary set for...
All About Berries Series in Christian County
Taylorville, Ill. – To help the public learn more about growing berries in their own backyards, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Andrew Holsinger will host two-part series designed to give the basics of berry crop production. This two-part series will be held at...
Seed Workshop
Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop - Christian County
Taylorville Ill. - It’s time to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors. Growing quality seedlings indoors requires proper planning for adequate conditions to start seedling off right. University of Illinois Extension will host a...
Reserve Your Spot at the 2020 Ready Set Grow Gardening Workshop
  DIXON, Ill- University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce that there are still registration spots available for the 2020 Ready…Set…Grow… Gardening Workshop! Ready…Set…Grow… will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 8:00 am – 2:15 pm at Sauk Valley Community College...
All Gardener’s Day – 2020 registration is open
LITCHFIELD, Ill. – Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and garden enthusiasts for the All Gardener’s Day on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 8 a.m. to noon at Holy Family Catholic Church – Parish Center, 211 E Columbia in Litchfield. This half-day event will be...