Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
U of I Extension offers Free Pop-Up Tween Walking Club Grades 3-6
Connect with nature and healthy lifestyles this summer! Join the adventure and the fun at the University of Illinois Extension Summer Walking Club for youth, grades 3-6.
With Extension staff, have fun on walking adventures and count steps to earn toe tokens. Learn about good...
Bridge the digital divide: Strategies to adopt, deploy broadband in your community
URBANA, Ill. – Broadband technology enables residents to conduct business, work from home, attend school, drive innovation, and access remote healthcare services, but some rural and underserved urban Illinois communities with insufficient infrastructure or limited provider choices still find it...
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...
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...
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...
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...
