528 Bevier Hall MC 184 905 S. Goodwin Ave Urbana IL 61801
Emily Steele is a skilled science communicator with a background in journalism and more than 15 years of experience in storytelling. She serves on the Illinois Extension communications team, supporting natural resources, environment, and energy staff statewide, including the Master Naturalist program, weather and climate, forestry, invasives, and nutrient loss reduction. Her work includes writing, copy editing, social media management, project management, website design, graphic design, and video work.
Emily has a M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois and a B.A. in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University. She joined Illinois Extension in 2015 as a Publicity Promotion Specialist in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties. Prior to that, she worked as a reporter, copy editor, and designer at several newspapers. She volunteers with her comfort dog Sophie at nursing homes, schools, and libraries in the Decatur area and, in the summer, puts in a lot of miles exploring Illinois on a bicycle.
Professional memberships
Telling the Extension Story
As an Extension communicator, storytelling gives a behind-the-scenes look into how Extension staff and volunteers are changing lives with their innovative work.
Email Communications
- Gardeners Corner: This quarterly newsletter explores topics for home gardeners. Never miss an update, subscribe!
- Seasonal resources: A collection of Summer Resources, Fall Resources, Thanksgiving, and Winter Resources.
Natural Resources, Environment and Energy
- New study finds Extension offices have vital role in fight against growing number of tick bites
- Agriculture, environmental leaders urge continued collective action on nutrient pollution prevention
- New Extension initiatives empower Illinois to meet the challenges of changing climate
- Check-in your bee hotel to support pollinator research
- Illinois continues work to improve waterways by reducing nutrient pollution
- Shifting USDA plant hardiness map reflects changing climate, changes for plants
- Master Naturalists get outdoors to connect with, support Illinois’ natural spaces
- Report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest
- Hunters, meat processors, and food pantries aim to solve hunger
- Mountain lions on the move through Illinois, not here to stay
- Master Naturalists advocate for diversity in ecosystems and volunteer program
- Warmer temperatures rouse reptiles for spring migration
- Save baby wildlife by stepping back; rescues rarely needed
- Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
- Take steps to help stop avian flu in wild birds, domestic flocks
- Nature adapts when heat waves hit
- Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal
- Keep pharmaceuticals out of local waterways with drug take back day
- Yes, it’s safe to charge your electric vehicle in the rain
Horticulture and Gardening
- Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
- Virtual map provides tool for rain garden stewardship
- Community gardens fight food insecurity close to home
- Is there lead in your soil? New Chicago-area map tells you
- Researchers call on backyard scientists to help save pollinators
- Put down the bottle: Handling weeds and insects at home doesn't start with pesticides
- Red Oak Rain Garden welcomes April showers
Forestry
- New directory connects Illinois woodland owners with professional foresters
- Illinois’ big trees are on the map
- Tracking down invasive species with drones
Agriculture, Local Food Systems and Small Farms
- Extension grows agriculture connections at Farm Progress Show
- Asking for help just got easier with no-cost mental health access for agricultural community
- The spice is right? Researchers explore growing ginger in Illinois
- Crop scientists explore using predator insects to eat pests in high tunnels
- Corn fields add to muggy, humid Midwestern temps
- Researchers, Extension staff help farmers navigate new food safety rules
- Prevent accidents by focusing on safety during busy harvest season
- Midwestern farmers, ranchers can find tools to thrive with new resource center
- Farmers, researchers break ground with new guidelines for budding hemp crop
- Make hitting the hay a priority during harvest