Natural lawn care made easy with new eco-friendly guide
URBANA, Ill. – Every summer weekend, like clockwork, the roar of lawnmowers fills neighborhoods across the state as homeowners and landscape companies try to keep up with the never-ending chore that is lawn care.
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New grant bolsters Illinois agriculture, rural mental health initiatives
URBANA, Ill. – Farmers are stewards of the soil, their livestock, and their crops, but caring for the land means they often do not take time to care for themselves. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are more common in agricultural populations than the general public.
With the Farm...
Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others
URBANA, Ill. – The splendor of trees and shrubs comes from what is above ground, but don’t forget about what lies beneath. Poorly drained areas, easily identified after a downpour of rain, are not suitable for some trees or shrubs.
“Soil plays a vital role in the...
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.
”...
Youth livestock experts earn $9,000 in scholarships
Springfield, Ill. – Nine 4-H youth from across the state of Illinois used their knowledge and expertise in the livestock field to earn $1,000 scholarships at the August 11 Illinois...
Small bees attracted to small flowers
URBANA, Ill. – While the bumblebee is likely the most well-known pollinator, pollinators come in a variety of shapes, species, and sizes.
“Many entomologists believe the tiny sweat bee nectaring on your flowering weed is just as important to a healthy ecosystem as the more well-known...
Baby feeding resource delivers peace of mind for new parents
URBANA, Ill. – New parents faced with the responsibility of caring for a baby often wonder how often to feed a newborn, when to wean babies from breastmilk or formula, when to introduce baby to solid foods, and whether homemade baby food is better than store-bought.
Babies may not come...
Extension webinar extols value of Illinois waterways
URBANA, Ill. – The value of waterborne commerce in the tri-state region of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri in immense. The Heart of the Corn Belt handles enough freight tonnage to be ranked as the equivalent of the largest inland port in the nation.
In a free online webinar by...
Volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success. The program relies on more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the ...
Illinois youth leaders become global changemakers
URBANA, Ill. – Members of the Illinois 4-H Youth Science Ambassador Team created and presented a youth-led presentation focused on the causes of climate change, the science of the carbon cycle, and the impact our food choices can have on our environment to an audience of their Brazilian peers...
Plant asters for unique display of fall color
URBANA, Ill. – Fall gardens may need some added pops of color this time of year to maintain beauty and diversity until winter arrives. Asters are a late-blooming, pollinator friendly flower that looks great in the garden and in a fall floral display.
“Think beyond the...
AgrAbility to provide tips for safe fall harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Every day, about 100 agricultural workers suffer an injury that results in lost work time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the unique nature of farm life where family members share in...