Sprout gardening skills at regional Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Celebrations
URBANA, Ill. — Seek out pollinators in native gardens, dive into the world of aquaponics, and see how cutting-edge technology is transforming garden design at upcoming statewide Golden Garden Day celebrations of the 50-year legacy of University...
National leadership summit ignites teen career readiness, skills
Washington, D.C. – Twenty-six teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place March 13-17 in Washington, D.C.The Ignite by 4-H Summit is a four-day...
Hunters Feeding Illinois provides 97,000 meals to Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. — In the 2024-25 hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This provided an estimated 97,000 meals, reaching nearly 49,800 families.Formerly the Illinois Deer...
Family and Consumer Sciences Conference engages seniors
ULLIN, Ill. – Social isolation and loneliness can have a profound impact on well-being, particularly among older adults. The Family and Consumer Sciences Conference provided a welcoming space for seniors to connect, learn, and foster new friendships.Most, if not all, in attendance were...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
Competition creates passion for fishing
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April. While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.“When a kid...
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...
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in...
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge, passion for horses in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Grasses at a Glance blog earns award from national Extension organization
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses are a small and often subtle backbone of many ecosystems, making up nearly 30% of the planet’s land cover. They prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock. But ask someone to identify one grass from another, and you...
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.
Various...
Illinois youth attend first 4-H post-high school success conference
URBANA, Ill. — Over 140 eighth through 12th graders from across Illinois headed to the Illini Union on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus for a 4-H College and Career Road Trip. This dynamic conference was aimed at preparing Illinois youth for the journey into higher education...
Cutting back branches leaves trees with healthier outlook
URBANA, Ill. — To stay healthy, sometimes trees need a little help in the form of a trim. Pruning is an essential maintenance activity to promote tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Since trees are large, long-living plants in our landscape, pruning throughout the life of a tree can have a...
Use weed clues to dig up environmental issues like fertility, soil compaction, moisture issues
Winter is a good time to make garden plans, and one constant issue gardeners face every growing season is weeds. While weeds can be frustrating, they can also be saying more about a yard than you think.
Weeds can be found in a wide range of locations. Some weedy plants are more likely to...
Did you forget to water your plants? Try low-maintenance succulents
URBANA, Ill. — Liven up your home this winter by introducing carefree and cheery succulents. Succulents offer interesting shapes and colors with their unique fleshy, plump leaves. The best part is they are relatively simple to care for if you can provide ample light.
A few easy-care...
