News Releases

Online Master Gardener Training Available
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program will offer summer online training sessions.  The online training includes topics such as botany, soils, flowers, trees, turf, fruits, vegetables, and much more.  The training costs $350.  Applicants receive a copy of the...
Changes to Pesticide Testing and Licensing for 2020
The impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the University of Illinois has implemented social-distancing protocols that impact all university...
Creative cooking with fewer ingredients
Making fewer trips to the grocery store does not have to mean boring meals or the same meal every night. Cooking with five ingredients or less is a money saver, takes less time to prepare the meal, and uses less equipment resulting in fewer dishes. “Cooking with fewer ingredients can be...
Online Leaning with 4-H
Join us on Facebook at 2:30 p.m. on the dates below for hands-on, virtually guided 4-H Activities! Videos will be live each day at 2:30 p.m. and then be posted to the University of Illinois Madison-Monroe-St. Clair Unit page for further viewing at...
What To Do With $1200
Stop! Before you go too far planning your spending of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act payment, let’s take a look at the big picture. Unfortunately, the current economic downturn will be a reality for many months. Now is the time to strategize how best to manage...
Starting a New Vegetable Garden
With an increased amount of time at home these days, there is an increased interest in gardening.  It is such a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise while growing some neat and interesting plants.  For many, the start of a new gardening experience can be stressful....
Advantages of Early Gardening
The past couple of springs, we have not had the kind of weather for good early season vegetable gardening. This spring has been a lot better with enough drying time to actually get out there and get potato seed pieces in the ground, sow those early rows of spinach and lettuce, and put out...
Learn tips for keeping your brain fit
URBANA, Ill. – Staying fit doesn’t only mean exercising and eating healthy foods. With age, it’s important to do activities which keep our brains fit and healthy, as well as our bodies. Beginning May 7, University of Illinois Extension will...
Deer Hunting 101 Webinar - April 18
The Illinois History Survey is offering a FREE webinar on deer hunting. The Deer Hunting 101 webinar will be held on April 18 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This online webinar is designed to teach new hunters: why, how, and where to hunt deer in Illinois. Advanced registration is REQUIRED....
Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...
'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs....
4-H overnight camping canceled for summer
University of Illinois Extension has announced the cancellation of all overnight summer camps sponsored or hosted by University of Illinois, including overnight residential 4-H camps conducted by Illinois 4-H. The cancellation will extend through July 31, 2020....
Plant Clinic still open for business
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois Plant Clinic remains open to identify plant pests and diseases. New guidelines are in place to comply with all university of state guidelines related to COVID-19.  To...