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...
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived Jack-o-lanterns? With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Workshop highlights tourism marketing strategies for rural communities
SHABBONA, Ill. - The benefits of small-town living seem apparent for those who live in a small town. However, it can be challenging for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and increase tourism traffic. To address these challenges, University of Illinois Extension has...
U of I Extension is hosting the Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13
OREGON, Ill. - This year's Ogle County Farm Stroll will be on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here are a few Farm Stroll guidelines to make this an enjoyable event for you and your family. Dress appropriately for a farm visit. This event takes place rain or shine. Be...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Study explores what families fight about: Communication, moods, and chores
URBANA, Ill. — Conflict in families can negatively affect individuals’ well-being and relationships. But what exactly do families today fight about, and is conflict in the home generally more severe between couples or between parents and children? A...
Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Dining out is a cherished part of American life, whether for celebrations or casual meals. With the rising number of diners, ensuring top-notch quality and safety in food service is crucial.The FDA’s 2022 Food Code enhances food safety protocols for retail establishments. In Illinois, all...
Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...
Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
Youth-led initiative helps fight hunger through State Fair event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the...
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture at Ag Awareness Days
OREGON, Ill. - Three hundred thirty-eight Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth graders descended upon the Ogle County Fairgrounds on September 5 and 6 to harvest information about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag...
New Seed Library program at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library
OREGON, Ill. – The Seed Library is a new program available at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library in collaboration with the Ogle County Extension Master Gardeners. The program aims to educate the community about the rewards of gardening and seed saving.The Seed Library is housed in a...
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
