News & Events

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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
A man crouches next to a drone preparing to take flight
Tracking down invasive species with drones
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – The forests of Southern Illinois have a new friend in the fight against invasive species. The University of Illinois Extension Forestry program has taken...
seed packet
Do not plant seeds of unknown origins
URBANA, Ill. – Mystery packages with unidentified seeds have shown up in mailboxes across the U.S. over the past week. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts urge people to never plant unidentified seeds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is...
Don't forget safety as you head to parks and camps
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Camping remains one of the best ways to get away from daily routines while practicing social distancing. Portable generators offer some comforts of home, whether your camping adventure includes tents or recreational vehicles. ...
Two kayaks in a lake
Paddle Devil’s Kitchen Lake with a Kayak Botany Tour
MARION, Ill. – Enjoy a relaxing paddle around Devil’s Kitchen Lake this August while learning about the native plants and trees that border this lake. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Forestry program and the...
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...
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...
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...
Illinois Master Naturalist Program Accepting Applications for June Training
University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit will be offering Illinois Master Naturalist training this summer for two weeks, in June. Training classes will meet ten days, Monday-Friday, June 8-19; from 9 am to 4 pm. Space is limited. To being the application process go to...