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

A person smashing a pumpkin in an open dumpster used for recycling and composting.
Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving...
Janine Donahue
Recording the natural world through nature journaling
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Nature journaling is a way to slow down, pay attention, ask questions, and create a record of the natural world around us. A journal might include sketches, watercolor, written observations, measurements, maps, weather, sound maps, species lists, or questions to explore later....
Volunteers in costumes at Boo at the Slough Event
Boo at the Slough invites families to learn about swamp creatures
CYPRESS, Ill. — Vultures, snapping turtles and cottonmouths, oh my! Do you want to learn more about creatures of the swamp? Come out to the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for...
pumpkin decorated with leopard face
Free pumpkin-themed family event
JONESBORO, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to welcome families to the sixth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza, an afternoon celebrating all things pumpkins, on Monday, October 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at...
A brown bat in a knot hole in a tree
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...
Woman showing gardeners a pollinator garden.
Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month
URBANA, Ill. — Planting native flowers in a backyard, patio container, or community garden can provide critical food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This June, in recognition of National Pollinator Month, University of Illinois Extension encourages community members to...