News & Media

Interested in talking with one of our content or program experts? Visit our staff directory for a list of University of Illinois Extension staff involved in the Master Gardener program.

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
Looking into the canopy of a poplar tree showing early fall color changing from green to yellow
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
A person raking leaves in a yard
Recycle your leaves for a better garden and suprising environmental benifits
MATTESON, Ill. – After raking leaves this fall, consider recycling them on your property rather than bagging them for curbside pick-up. For the typical home gardener, fallen leaves are one of the most readily available forms of organic matter. Organic matter aids plant growth and can...
a group of people stand in a wetland
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
Cheryl West posing with 3 other Master Gardeners
McLean County Master Gardener recognized at state conference
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension proudly congratulates McLean County Master Gardener Cheryl West of Arrowsmith on receiving a prestigious state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. Cheryl was honored for her outstanding contributions during the Illinois Master...
A dry field of corn
Drought is intensifying across Illinois
An extremely dry end to summer and start to fall has intensified the ongoing drought in central and southern Illinois and increased the fire and blowing dust risk as we approach harvest, according to Illinois State Climatologist...
Jovanny Castaneda, Hallan Brady, and Derek Hornick pose in front of their garden
Master Gardeners Bring Tomato Workshop to LaSalle County Jail
OTTAWA, Ill. - This summer, the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program brought its ‘Tomato Troubles’ workshop to the LaSalle County Jail. With a new garden in its first year, the project has given inmates in the drug treatment program a...
A group of people outside standing under elevated bat boxes on poles
Simple design changes can make bat boxes safer
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine moving into a new house just to discover it has no insulation. That’s what life can be like for a bat box resident.Bat boxes, a kind of artificial roost, are a simple and cost-effective way to increase habitat for these flying mammals. They’re a preferred spot for...
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

EEO myExtension Staff Login