Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...
Shelby Carlson Earns State and National Recognition for Excellence in 4-H Youth Development
University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator Shelby Carlson has been honored at both the state and national levels for her outstanding contributions to youth development programming. Carlson, who serves Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties, received...
Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...
University of Illinois Extension Hosts First Annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development team hosted the first Southern Illinois Food Access Annual Independent Grocer Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at John A. Logan College. The summit welcomed 30 participants,...
4-H Teen Leaders Travel to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
VIENNA, Ill. — Forty-six 4-H Teen Leaders representing five southern Illinois high schools traveled to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from Oct. 16–18 for an immersive, three-day college and career exploration experience hosted by University of Illinois...
Coming together for a gourd time for five years
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds was a busy spot this week as families attended Illinois Extension’s fifth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza event. Over 115 attendees came out to the park to learn about pumpkins, taste pumpkin treats, make pumpkin crafts, and play games. Twelve different stations...
Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...
University of Illinois Extension responds to rising food access needs
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois...
The 1887 law that powers modern agricultural science
Agricultural innovation requires more than ideas — it demands acres of land, barns full of livestock, fleets of equipment, and teams of specialists who keep it all running. Few research enterprises are as complex, costly, or foundational as agriculture.For nearly 140 years, the...
Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...
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...
Recycle pumpkins with a smash at Illinois Extension fall community composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Whether picking out pumpkins from a field or carving fun faces for jack-o'-lanterns with friends, pumpkins naturally give off fall vibes. But what happens when they start to decay on the porch or countertop, and it’s time to say goodbye? Where do they go? Many think...
