Illinois Extension to create holistic regenerative ag course
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ agriculture industry is rooted in its soil. Now, University of Illinois Extension is continuing to invest in the earth by developing a regenerative agricultural program to bring healthy soil practices to farms and gardens statewide.
The North Central Region...
7 tips to reduce spread of norovirus during stomach flu season
The stomach flu is likely caused by norovirus, a group of related viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This highly contagious virus has several strains and spreads quickly from person to person, causing mayhem...
Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Reign of invasive rusty crayfish may be ending; Wisconsin lakes rejoice
URBANA, Ill. – Just how hard should natural resource managers fight invasive species after they establish? A new University of Illinois study suggests some invaders – even highly successful ones – can die...
Best medicine includes healthy veggies; Macon County garden wins top award
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy food can improve health outcomes. A team of University of Illinois Extension staff in Macon County combined efforts to improve food access for participants in Crossing Healthcare’s Prescription Produce Program.
Their efforts earned the team Extension’s...
Winter sowing workshop helps gardeners stay on top of gardening in the offseason
DECATUR, Ill.— Winter sowing is a popular gardening strategy that exposes seeds to cold temperatures while keeping them protected in a container. The seeds remain outside in the container and germinate once the temperatures rise. The result is a heartier spring transplant and a budget-friendly...
Winter sow seeds for a head start on your garden and a beautiful blooming season
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Some plants won’t bloom the first year unless you sow the seeds early. Winter-sown seeds tend to be much heartier than seeds grown inside. These are just a few of the benefits of sowing seeds in winter, including helping to keep your gardening budget in check during the spring...
Master Gardener program offers new training options
DECATUR, Ill.— You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening with a desire to learn and share knowledge. The program is about connecting people with other gardeners, their community, and reliable resources for information. Once...
Former communications administrator for ACES and Illinois Extension passes away
William “Bill” Cupps’ contributions to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) continue to be felt today through scholarships, college programs, and communication activities. Cupps passed away on December 2, 2022, at the age of 88.
During an 11-year tenure...
Share your time and talents and become a Glacier's Edge Master Naturalist
DECATUR, Ill. — Connecting people with nature and encouraging environmental stewardship is essential to becoming a more sustainable society. University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist training program prepares adult volunteers to become environmental stewards. Registration for the...
Hard work and dedication pay off for Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team
CLINTON, Ill. — A DeWitt County 4-H member recently competed on the Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team in the National Livestock 4-H Quiz Bowl Competition in Louisville, Ky. The 4-H team was named fourth in the nation for their performance.
Davis Howell from DeWitt County earned a...
Mountain lions on the move through Illinois, not here to stay
URBANA, Ill. – Mountain lions have been on the move this fall with two confirmed sightings of animals in northern and central Illinois. Large predators occasionally pass through Illinois but are not here to stay.
The...
Supplies donation from the NRA Foundation helps 4-H Shooting Sports Club
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Piatt and DeWitt 4-H shooting sports club members will benefit from a recent National Rifle Association Foundation donation of shotgun shells, pellets, and safety glasses. The donation will help further the success of these programs.
“These young folks are very well...
Volunteer excellence recognized at Illinois Master Gardener conference
DECATUR, Ill. — Over 280 volunteers across Illinois attended the University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener Conference in Tinley Park. The conference featured educational sessions, a keynote address, and tours of the Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Gardens, and Ball Trial Seed Gardens. Three...
Piatt County 4-H club finishes in top three at 4-H trap shoot
BUNKER HILL, Ill. — Sixty-four youth from across the state gathered at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 24 for the 4-H state trap shooting contest. Piatt County Mid-State Marksmen 4-H club finished second for the day in the county shotgun trap division, and club member, Jonathan...
Take care of a few details now to prepare for spring garden season
MONTICELLO, Ill. – The seasons change so quickly. In a blink of an eye, summer is gone, and fall has arrived. Before too long, spring will be poking out through the remnants of winter. It will be time to plant vegetable gardens and flower beds. This can be a daunting task. Take certain steps now...
