University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Q&A – Trouble With Leaf Miners?
Last week, I received an interesting e-mail from a member of the public asking me what I thought was plaguing his columbine. Included in his email was a picture of the plant’s leaves that had intricate, almost beautiful, white lines and squiggles throughout the leaves. As soon as I saw the...
Showy Annabelle hydrangea has historic roots in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. - The ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea has been a mainstay of the ornamental shrub world since its release in the 1960s. This showy shrub is filled with beautiful snowball-like flowers that adorn its spindly branches each summer. The blooms begin as pretty green puffs that turn white at...
COVID-19 expense relief available for local governments
URBANA, Ill. - The Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Support Program, CURE, is federally funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund and reimburses local governments for costs specifically related to the COVID-19 public health emergency incurred since March 1, not previously budgeted...
Rural communities learn ways to recognize, manage stress
URBANA, Ill. - Volatile crop prices, global markets, and natural disasters create stress for rural residents, farmers, and ranchers. Even before the current health crisis, rural communities across the Midwest were dealing with additional economic stressors, such as the closing of coal-fired...
Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Second Program of Free Summer Webinar Series
The summer series of the University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening Program, which focuses on environmental stewardship, home gardening, and backyard food production, got underway the month of June. The public is invited to participate in this free webinar series. The next session...
Learn safe food handling, prep methods
URBANA, Ill. - Approximately one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne illnesses are not a minor inconvenience. In fact, the CDC estimates...
Fill your Pantry: Preserving Apples at Home Free Online Webinar
Apples are ripening in the orchard as we prepare for the harvest season. The season of fall brings about a feeling of comfort and apples are part of the flavor. Fill your pantry with juice and cider, frozen slices of...
Illinois’ big trees are on the map
URBANA, Ill. – From the depths of the Shawnee National Forest to backyards in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois’ biggest trees are branching out. For the first time, the state’s champion trees are now available as an interactive digital map.“For more than 58 years, the Illinois Big Tree...
Uncovering the financial nightmare of COVID-19
URBANA, Ill. - As COVID-19 continues to burden systems around the world, the economic shock and effects of business closures, unemployment, unrealized tax collections, and Medicaid expenditures are being analyzed. A webinar co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Institute of Government...
Get out of the sun with 5 ideas for backyard shade
URBANA, Ill. - Relaxing outdoors while surrounded by plants is a great stress reducer. As temperatures heat up, you can prolong your time outside by creating some shade in your yard.
"Shaded areas let you stay outside longer without getting exhausted from the sun,"...
Forestry website supports Illinois woodland owners
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension forestry program launched its newly designed website making it easier for forest owners to access the tools they need to manage their woodlands.
“Our new website was developed to help educate, advise and assist the public with...
Every Step Counts Lunch & Learn Online Class and Walking Club Challenge
Every step does count. Studies show using activity trackers gives you an accurate count for steps, heart rate, and sleep. They are also fun; they get you off the couch and moving! “One could say they are a wearable piece of accountability.” With built-in reminders to get up and moving,...
Extension expands programming, continues virtual 4-H shows in August
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension will allow staff and volunteers to resume limited in-person gatherings in August, consistent with the public health and safety guidelines outlined in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois...
