Pelleted seeds improve planting ease, germination rates
URBANA, Ill. – Tiny seeds provide challenges for gardeners trying to evenly space lettuce, onion, carrot, and herb seeds. Pelleted seeds are coated with a biodegradable material and easier to hold and plant.
The colorful coating also protects the seed, improving germination rates. Pre-...
Keep jumping worms from damaging lawns, gardens, natural areas
URBANA, Ill. – A new threat is invading Illinois. Jumping worms attack gardens, lawns, and natural areas with devastating results.
Illinois Extension forestry research specialist Chris Evans says the worms are voracious eaters that decrease soil quality and reduce organic matter....
Natural world guides archaeologists in their investigation of ancient people
URBANA, Ill. – People have lived in Illinois for over 15,000 years and have used the natural resources the state has to offer in different ways through time.
Archaeologists draw on many fields in natural resource sciences to understand the people of the past and how they lived....
Geothermal energy systems capture the power of the sun
URBANA, Ill. – Solar energy is not limited to solar panels. Geothermal energy represents another method of using solar energy to heat water and buildings and to generate electricity.
As the sun heats the earth’s surface, geothermal systems harvest this energy in a clean, efficient, and...
Performance Tested Bull Sale averages $4,372 on 46 lots
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For 54 years, the Performance Tested Bull Sale has provided elite seedstock for cattle breeders. The 2022 sale held Feb. 24 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield averaged $4,372 on the 46 lots sold. The sale is a multi-breed sale and offers both older age...
Be ready for severe weather before the sirens go off
URBANA, Ill. – Weather can change from blue skies to ominous clouds in an instant in Illinois. When the wail of an alert siren is heard, it’s a warning sign that should not be ignored.
Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week is Feb. 28 to March 4. The early awareness allows ...
Log on for forestry expertise woodland owners can use
URBANA, Ill. – From managing woodlands so they can support native wildlife to dealing with tree damage and pests, University of Illinois Extension Forestry has the tools woodland owners need. The nine-part, weekly Forestry...
Youth Cover Crops Workshop
University of Illinois Extension invites you to participate in a Cover Crops Workshop on Tuesday, March 22,2022 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at IVCC in rooms CTC 124 & 125. This training is for all youth in...
Bureau County 4-H offers another take and make kit
Looking for a fun activity to do at home, at your own pace? This 4-H Take and Make Kit will include all the supplies to create a bunny silhouette on wood, including instructions. Kits available for youth...
New Member Project Workshop in Bureau County
University of Illinois Extension invites registered 4-H members, aged 8 to 18, in their first or second year of 4-H to participate in the upcoming New Member Project Night. This event will...
Hopping good time at upcoming Bureau County 4-H Cloverbud workshop
Youth ages 5-7 will utilize creativity and artistic skills to create a bunny puppet out of a work glove. Once complete, workshop participants will also listen to a spring themed story. ...
Take heed of tornado warnings
URBANA, Ill. – As prime tornado season approaches, know what a tornado warning means and what to do.
The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning under two conditions, says Duane Friend, University...
Stay safe during electrical storms
URBANA, Ill. – Exceeded only by floods, lightning is the second largest killer associated with storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes...
High dew points increase severe weather chances
URBANA, Ill – Severe weather often occurs in March with dew point temperatures in the 50s or 60s. Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator, explains the impact of dew point on weather.
Water vapor is the gas form of water. Air can only hold so...
Bureau County 4-H take and make craft kits offered
Looking for a fun, free, easy craft project to do at home? Bureau County 4-H is offering Clover Canvas Magnet kits, at no cost, for area youth ages 5- 18. To obtain a kit, visit University of Illinois Extension’s...
USDA measuring nutrient loss reduction strategy techniques
Special to Illinois Extension
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will measure the techniques Illinois farmers use to preserve nutrients in their fields in its 2022 Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Survey...
Illinois 4-H tackles decline in oak population
Illinois once held 14 million acres of trees. Today, Illinois has 5 million acres.
“Oak savannas are being overtaken by invasive species, as well as more shade-tolerant trees, such as maples,” Curt Sinclair, 4-H Specialist, Natural Resources says. “In addition, the...