News Releases

Welcome fall season with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — It is that time again when shifting seasons are near. Keep the gardening conversations growing with two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s free Four Seasons Gardening...

Turn climate concern into community action with Illinois Climate Stewards Training
URBANA, Ill. — From a spring full of tornadoes to summers with extreme heat and flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning...

Illinois 4-H Ready4Work program prepares next generation for workforce
URBANA, Ill. — Workforce readiness remains a growing concern nationwide. Many young people lack access to opportunities that help them build essential job skills, according to the...

Illinois Extension welcomes U. of I. alumna to lead budget and finance operations
URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible stewardship of the resources supporting...

Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....

Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...

Illinois Extension’s sixth cohort of Illini Science Policy Program Scholars works at the intersection of public service and policy
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program, ISPP, welcomed six graduates from University of Illinois System...

Envisioning the next 150 years of crop research with the Alma Mater Plots
URBANA, Ill. — A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each...

Everyday Environment series returns with nature-based solutions for home and community
URBANA, Ill. — Discover the power of working with nature. University of Illinois Extension’s natural resources series, Everyday Environment...

What would it cost farmers if Illinois banned glyphosate?
URBANA, Ill. — A new analysis from the...

Agronomy Days continues with Stairway to Yield, other events for producers
URBANA, Ill. — Agronomy Days 2026 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign continues with events scheduled into October, teaching Illinois growers the latest breakthroughs in...

Help shape solutions to food waste by taking the Illinois Household Food Waste Survey
URBANA, Ill. — From farm to table to trash can, what happens to food is bigger than leftovers. Producing food uses valuable resources like water and fuel, and when uneaten food ends up in landfills, it...

Through local partnerships and programs, Extension Academy builds expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen every project, especially when advancing current research and best practices from the University of Illinois Urbana...

University of Illinois Extension County Director Elected to National Epsilon Sigma Phi Board of Directors
ALBION, Ill. — Tara Buerster, county director for University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties, has been elected to the National Epsilon Sigma Phi board of directors as the north central region vice president.In this national leadership...

Illinois 4-H shotgun team competes at record-setting National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The 2026 National 4‑H Shooting Sports Championships, held June 21–26 in Grand Island, Nebraska, marked the largest event in its 26‑year history, bringing together 767 4‑H members from 42 states for one of the program’s premier national competitions.Illinois was...

Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-known...

When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...

Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...

New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity, confidence at State Fashion Revue
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members from across the state showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style during the Illinois 4-H State Fashion Revue on June 6 at Heartland Community College.The event featured youth ages 8 to 18 competing in junior and senior divisions...