Applying herbicides in natural settings lowers costs, increases efficiency
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Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids. Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...

Youth public speaking contest builds self-esteem, leadership skills that last a lifetime
URBANA, Ill. –  More than 75% of adults rank public speaking as their number one fear, but not 4-H members. 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Over 100 youth recently came together to put their public speaking...

Six Illini Science Policy Scholars announced, will tackle critical issues in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – Six graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are preparing to embark on a year of public service as part of the new class of Illini Science Policy Scholars. The...

We Found Our Spark in the Park!
Co-Sponsored with the City of LaSalle Park District University of Illinois Extension recently held a Find Your Spark in the Park with 4-H camp at Rotary Park in LaSalle. Participants ranged in age from 8-12 and came from all over LaSalle County to attend. The week-long camp featured a...

Illinois teens become advocates for food access, security
What does it mean to be hungry? Illinois 4-H teens are challenging experts in the fields of food access, food security, and food justice to learn how to advocate for others in their communities. In May, 105 youth at the...

Latino youth develop life, literacy skills to prepare for higher education
Urbana, Ill -- The Juntos™ Program through Illinois 4-H empowers Latino youth to support each other throughout high school and as they prepare to enter higher education. ...

Pesticide rollback removes hundreds of pesticides from future use
URBANA, Ill. — The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent evaluation of publically available pesticides resulted in the removal of more than 100 turf, pest, and agricultural products from the approved list. Every 15 years, the EPA examines registered pesticides to ensure they...

Large yard not required to support pollinators
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Making fresh salsa class offered at Putnam County Community Center
Do you like to eat freshly made salsa? We have the recipes and research-based information to share. Join Susan Glassman, Nutrition & Wellness Educator and learn the in-and-outs of making and storing salsa safely. After attending this class, you will have the trusted resources from...

Keep pesticides from drifting into unwanted spaces
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture receives about 120 pesticide complaints each year; 60% of the complaints stem from a pesticide that moves from its intended target to surrounding land or water.  Off-target pesticide movement occurs when a pesticide...

Community planning breaks cycle of disaster, damage, reconstruction
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Rye cover crops attract good insects with minimal impact from pests
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LaSalle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair- “The Power of YOUth!”
Join us as we celebrate “The Power of YOUth!” The 2021 LaSalle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair is gearing up for a great 4-H exhibit show representing our area 4-H youth exhibitions as well as many activities and night events. The event kicks off Wednesday, July 7 at the LaSalle County...

Love fresh salsa? Plant a salsa garden
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Free Summer Healthy Kids Pop-Up Walking Clubs Ages 8-12
Connect with nature and healthy lifestyles this summer! Join the adventure and the fun at the University of Illinois Extension Summer Healthy Kids Camp & Walking Club for Tweens. With Extension staff, youth, ages 8-12, will have fun on walking adventures and learn to count their steps along...

Green infrastructure solutions aim to protect water supply
URBANA, Ill. – A highway of subterranean pipes channel fresh water to and sewage away from Illinois’ homes, businesses, schools and parks. Pipes also carry runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt. This runoff includes pollutants swept away from parking lots, construction sites,...

Repair, renovate, restore: How communities support growth with TIF funding
URBANA, Ill. – Tax Increment Funding (TIF) provides a way for municipalities to spur economic growth and make infrastructure improvements in qualifying economically stagnant or physically declining areas, designated as TIF districts. TIF districts reallocate property tax funds while...

New health care research provides solutions for today's health challenges
URBANA, Ill. – Cutting-edge research in health sciences plays a vital role in preventing disease, driving new treatments, and improving the way health care professionals and systems work and approach diagnosis. “The amount of time it takes for those research findings to make it from the...

Small bug, big risk: Protect yourself from ticks this summer
URBANA, Ill. — When venturing in the woods this summer, don’t forget to protect yourself from a small, but dangerous creature likely lurking in trees, grass, and bushes. Ticks are easy to pick up when visiting grassy areas, woods, prairies, wetlands, deer trails, and brushy...