4-H shooting sports contest brings fun, camaraderie, teamwork to the range
URBANA, Ill. – Over 90 Illinois youth gathered at statewide competitions this fall to exhibit their skill mastery in shooting sports. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun. “I know at first it appears odd to...

Coexisting with snakes: What type of mesh is safe for snakes?
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Purdue Rainscaping program brings rain garden training to Illinois Extension
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Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...

Keep plants, pollinators happy with fall Gardening in the Air series
URBANA, Ill. — With the weather getting colder and the coming of fall, it’s important to know how to put your garden to rest and plan for the next growing season. Learn how to support pollinators, grow vegetables and herbs in any size garden, and find and plant trees for long-term...

The future of work: How will the pandemic impact worker needs?
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Help save lives, learn how to support mental health in farm, rural communities
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families pay a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. But a gap exists between agricultural workers and the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Ag producers,...

Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
  URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs. This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...

Tips for planting balled-burlapped trees for long-term health, success
URBANA, Ill. – Fall is a great time to plant trees, many of which are originally grown at a nursery either in a plastic container or in the ground before they are balled and burlapped. How the tree is grown in its first years and then planted affects the long-term health of the tree. ”...

Springfield resident named National 4-H Hall of Fame honoree
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Small businesses, underserved communities get assist from Extension food safety expert
URBANA, Ill. – Pratik Banerjee is an associate professor of food safety in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. His research and teaching focus on understanding the transmission of...

Extension project seeks to increase health equity and food access in Schuyler County
RUSHVILLE, Ill. – One in 10 people, including one in eight children, in Illinois struggle with hunger every day, according to Feeding America. When families are hungry, making healthier choices can be...

Learn substance use disorder-related services for Southern Illinois
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Hancock County Addiction Coalition dedicated to stopping substance abuse
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health attributes over 5,500 Illinois deaths a year to the use of alcohol and other drugs. In 2018, 2,169 Illinois deaths resulted from opioid overdoses. The Hancock County Addiction...

Safely store your extra fall produce with these Extension-endorsed tips
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Stay up to date on latest ag practices with online, on-demand CropFlix
URBANA, Ill. – Farming in Illinois is very different than it was even 50 years ago and so is how row crop producers stay up to date on the latest recommendations. For more than 100 years, local University of Illinois Extension agriculture experts have worked in person and in the field...

Chemicals in common household products affect brain development in children
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Savor flavors with mindful, fully sensory eating
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Avoid toxic chemicals in everyday household items
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Check the label before trying probiotics
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