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USDA grants advance urban agriculture possibilities for Chicago farmers

URBANA, Ill. — The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency Outreach Office and Illinois FSA Office, in cooperation with University of Illinois Extension, announces an opportunity for urban farmers and producers, beginning farmers, historically underserved producers, and…

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Spend summer days growing, supporting gardens with webinar series

URBANA, Ill. — Get ready to spend summer days outdoors gardening, exploring, and enjoying the growing season by adding in Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning June 11. 

University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts will share tips for supporting the ladybug…

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Report Asian longhorned ticks to help track invasive pest that threatens livestock

URBANA, Ill. — The invasive Asian longhorned tick, which can pose a health risk for humans, animals, and livestock, has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents of west central Illinois are advised to watch out for and report sightings of this new pest. 

The Asian…

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Winter seed sowing
URBANA, Ill. – Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.  “Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth...
Explore and assess your seeds this winter
URBANA, Ill. – While there may still be snow on the ground outside, it is never too early to start planning your garden for the spring. Begin by digging through your old seed packet stashes to find those still viable to plant. Seeds are considered viable when they are capable of...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite.  ...
Overwintering tropical plants
URBANA, Ill. – Tropical plants have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as an easy way to add an attractive look to back patios, decks, and containers. Plants such as mandevilla, alocasia (elephant ear), and hibiscus are sold at garden centers in containers and, while they offer great...
Winter protection of woody ornamentals
URBANA, Ill. – As winter arrives, we all wonder at the temperatures we will have to endure throughout the season. Fortunately, ornamental plants begin preparing for winter early through a process called cold acclimation. The process is signaled by cooling temperatures and shorter day lengths....
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Illinois Extension offers programming for coal-dependent communities
URBANA, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension’s Community and Economic Development team is making statewide outreach efforts in offering two local government education webinars that will focus on communities facing coal plant closures, and their economic, as well as environmental, implications...
Extension educator is national 4-H winner
Amy Henschen earned the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4HA) national communicator award for the news story division and honored at the group's annual meeting in White Sulfur Springs, W.V. Henschen began working as an Extension Educator for University of Illinois in July...
Farm Bureau salutes outstanding 4-H members
The Youth Education Committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliates awarded 10 Illinois 4-H members with its Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award at a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 5 in Champaign. In addition to the award, the winners participate in an elite leadership...
Key Award celebrates youth service and mentoring
The Illinois 4-H Key Award recognizes youth leaders who mentor and serve their community. Eight 4-H teens were honored as award recipients at a ceremony Oct. 5 in Champaign. The award is sponsored by the H. Richard and Sarah F. McFarland Endowed 4-H Youth Leadership and Character Development...
Oker honored for work in veterinary science
A Kendall County 4-H member recently claimed the top award for her work in the veterinary science project area. Lydia Oker was presented a $200 cash prize during...
These members are experiencing all 4-H offers
Illinois 4-H challenges youth to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country. The 4-H Experience Award recognizes youth who excel in that challenge. “We celebrate youth whose 4-H experiences have expanded outside...
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Brain Health & Aging Resources from Illinois Extension
Materials from Illinois Extension's Brain Health & Aging workshop are available University of Illinois Extension held a workshop on Brain Health & Aging: Strengthening the Brain Through Learning in October. It was done in partnership with the Interdisciplinary...
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Local Government Education Webinar (Nov 14) Minimum Wage in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – Under new legislation, Illinois' minimum wage is set to increase from $8.25 per hour up to $10 by July 1, 2020. Learn about the policy implications of this increase with the Illinois Extension Local Government Education fall webinar Raising the Minimum Wage in...
Dogs win the day at state 4-H contest
More than 1,500 Illinois 4-H members care for dogs as part of their project work. Obedience training provides mental stimulation that keeps dogs mentally and physically healthy and provides structure for appropriate behavior. Two hundred 4-H members advanced from county competitions to...
On target, on the range and in life
More than 3,600 4-H members participate in one of the five 4-H shooting sports disciplines. Each fall, the oldest of those members compete in four state contests to determine the state winners and delegates to the National 4-H Shooting Sports...
Illinois earns fifth at national dairy contest
The Illinois 4-H team claimed fifth at the 2019 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Nineteen teams competed at the annual contest held during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. The team took fifth in the live placing division and seventh in oral reasons. In breed division...
Littig receives national youth award
April Littig will be awarded the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Distinguished Service Award in a ceremony Nov. 7 in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. Littig provides leadership for 4-H youth development initiatives and club programming in a five-county unit that includes Calhoun...

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