To outsmart weeds in the garden, take multiple approaches
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners know, weeds will grow nearly anywhere. Even cracks in the pavement can sustain plant life if there is soil, water, and light. Whether a plant is considered a weed depends on how it is affecting the intended use of the site and who is looking at it....
Funds available to districts to replace school buses
URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar...
Support pollinators with cheerful viola flowers
URBANA, Ill. – Roses are red, violets are blue and they have also earned top honors being named Plant of the Year by the International Herb Association. Every year, the association selects plants that are considered...
Dedicated volunteers inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
DECATUR, Ill. — Volunteers are the lifeblood of the 4-H program. Without their dedication, the many programs that Illinois 4-H offers would simply not reach as many youths. Two outstanding volunteers from DeWitt and Piatt counties were recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and inducted into...
Say goodbye to your tomato troubles with free master gardener event
MONTICELLO, Ill. – You have planted tomatoes and they are ready to pick. As you reach in to grab the beautiful ripe fruit you notice a strange looking green worm with black dots. Unfortunately, it appears you have a case of tomato hornworms. Those are just one of the troubles you may...
Area youths awarded scholarships from Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation
DECATUR, Ill. — The end of the school year brings graduations, honors nights, and scholarship announcements. Several Macon County 4-H members have been selected to receive scholarships from the Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation...
Have fresh herbs at your fingertips with herb container workshop
DECATUR, Ill. – Nothing satisfies more than light, fresh meals when the temperature and humidity are high. Drinks and meals are quickly elevated with fresh herbs. Sprinkle cilantro on eggs, infuse water with rosemary or mint, or throw together a quick caprese salad with basil, cherry...
Youth meet and learn about miniature donkeys at fun 4-H event
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Miniature donkeys are smart and can be trained to do tricks and maneuver through obstacle courses. Did you also know that they are very social and bond with other horses and livestock? These small creatures with big personalities are farmyard ambassadors, and Piatt County 4-H...
4-H food science fun coming to a library near you
DECATUR, Ill. – Adults are always on the lookout for fun summer activities for the children in their lives. Events that are educational, fun, and free aren’t always easy to find. Well, we have one! University of Illinois Extension has partnered with area libraries to bring you a two-part food...
Visit the Master Gardener Help Desk to have all your garden questions answered
CLINTON, Ill. – We have a question, and our first reaction is to do a quick online search. The problem is that there is so much conflicting information. Which solution is correct? What source should we trust? University of Illinois Extension is here to alleviate uncertainty by providing research...
Study: Proposed nitrogen fertilizer policies could protect farmer profits, environment
URBANA, Ill. – Nitrogen fertilizer has major implications for crop yields and environmental health, specifically water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. Federal and state governments have shied away from regulating nitrogen fertilizer use, but voluntary and incentives-based programs have not been...
Share rural roads safely during spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude.
The 2022 spring planting season is...
Youth get comfortable in the kitchen with free baking workshops
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Cooking is a lifelong skill that fosters independence and helps build self-confidence in youth. The Baking with 4-H hands-on workshops offer age-appropriate activities to help inexperienced and experienced cooks hone their skills and feel more comfortable in the kitchen....
Leadership and project excellence recognized by DeWitt County 4-H Foundation
CLINTON, Ill. — Spring is scholarship season, and several area youths are the recipients of DeWitt County 4-H Foundation Scholarships. These 4-H members have all demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities within their clubs and communities.
Dawson Raines, son of Gavin...
Prevent the spread of invasive species in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know what an invasive species is, but you've likely heard about them and the price tags they can carry. The estimated cost of managing the damages caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or Asian carp is $120 billion annually in the U.S.
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Join local beekeeper and master gardener to learn about bees and their homes
CLINTON, Ill. – Bees are important and play vital roles in our ecosystem, but what function does each bee species serve? Which bees are the best pollinators? Do bees live alone or in colonies? In what types of homes do bees reside? DeWitt County Master Gardeners are hosting an event to answer...
Take steps to help stop avian flu in wild birds, domestic flocks
URBANA, Ill. – Avian flu cases are on the rise in the Midwest. From canceled poultry shows to advising homeowners to remove bird feeders, Illinois is urging those who come into contact with birds to take steps to prevent the disease from spreading.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a...
Visit the Master Gardener Plant Sale for quality you can trust
DECATUR, Ill. – In just a few weeks it will be time to start planting vegetable, flower, and herb gardens. Enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces with houseplants, annual and perennial flowers, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants. Put your outdoor plans in motion with a visit to the Master...
State 4-H award ceremony recognizes three Macon County youth
DECATUR, Ill. — Three Macon County 4-H members received state 4-H awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication, growth, and leadership. An award ceremony and celebration was held on April 9 in Champaign, Illinois.
Taylor Crouch, daughter of Cassie and Jeremy Crouch, was the...
FIRST LEGO League 4-H robotics team receives highest award
DECATUR, Ill. — Building robust infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization was the theme of this year’s FIRST LEGO League challenge. Macon County 4-H Scream’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics team accepted the challenge and...
