Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take...
Family centered nature program continues through August 11
Perhaps you love spending time in the outdoors to reset and re-center or reconnect with your family. Maybe you feel the tug of stewardship to the natural world. Or maybe that calling is coming from your kiddos, seeking some up-close-and-personal encounters with the natural world around them. No...
The Flock Farm to host twilight meeting on pasture-raised livestock
Anna, Ill. – The Flock Farm is teaming up with University of Illinois Extension to host the final of four twilight meetings at their farm on Monday, August 15, 2022, starting at 6 p.m. University of Illinois Extension...
Tips to harvest garden vegetables at peak quality, flavor
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you started your first garden this year or are a veteran grower, we’re coming up on the heart of harvest season. One of the advantages of homegrown vegetables is that you can harvest produce at its peak quality and flavor.
But knowing when to harvest a crop...
Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be...
Smart solar siting July 12 webinar discusses dual-use practices
URBANA, Ill. – States are working to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions by expanding renewable energy development. Recent models show that preferred sites — rooftops and brownfields — will not be enough to meet future energy needs.
"The siting of solar energy projects...
New biosecurity resource helps producers protect pigs
URBANA, Ill. –The estimated economic impact over 10 years is $50 billion if African swine fever finds its way into the United States, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
And...
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Reduce impact of extreme temperatures on power grid
URBANA, Ill. - The National Weather Service reports that portions of the Midwest have experienced record-breaking, early-season heat, including numerous record highs and heat index values above 105 degrees....
Feed your community by safely donating homegrown fruits, vegetables
URBANA, Ill. – When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
Growers planning on...
Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs
URBANA, Ill. – Pesticides assist in managing pests. People should use precise application techniques detailed on the label so they don’t endanger people, pets, livestock, plants, and the environment.
Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto...
Midwestern hemp database applications open until July 24
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.
University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working...
Livestock judging helps youth improve local herds
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2022 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus on June 20. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard...
Illinois State Fair cancels live poultry shows to protect from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today both junior and open live shows at the Illinois State Fair will be canceled for 2022 to protect from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Illinois State Fair junior poultry exhibitors will continue to have an...
Microclovers making a comeback as lawns grow in biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. – Clovers are making a comeback in lawn seed mixes. Today many families want to attract more pollinators to their yards. They are searching for ecologically sound ways to grow grass, including adding white clover back to the turf seed mix. Clover adds diversity to lawns and...
Protect the delicate balance of our natural world
URBANA, Ill. – The impact of human activity on the planet is revealing itself in the soil, rivers, streams, and lakes. Three free online University of Illinois Extension webinars this summer will focus on the impact environmental changes with water and soil can have on the long-term health of...
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....
Illinois youth tackle a new challenge
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Bass Challenge in May.
While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.
“The intention of this...
