Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

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Share your passion for gardening—join the Master Gardener program

July 25, 2025

Ever wonder what it means to be a “Master Gardener?” These individuals are community members with a love for gardening and a heart for service. Through countless hours of volunteer work each year, they share their passion, expertise, and encouragement with individuals throughout the community.A...

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Summer sights and sounds: Frogs and toads

July 22, 2025

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: summer is my favorite season, and the past few weekends have included seeing and hearing various frogs and toads. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to go camping, and from evening into the morning, we were surrounded by the sounds of...

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a tomato plant damaged by herbicides with curled unrecognizable leaves

Twisted Leaves, and Tough Questions: What to Do If Spray Drift Hits Your Farm or Garden

July 15, 2025

If your small farm or garden looks healthy one day, but the next you notice twisted, cupped, scorched, or discolored leaves on your vegetables, fruits, flowers, or trees—and you live near corn or soybean fields—you could be seeing the effects of herbicide drift. You are not alone.In the past month...

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Simple ways to connect with nature for better well-being

June 27, 2025

Spending time in nature—whether you're relaxing in a backyard garden, helping in a community plot, or hiking through a state park—can do wonders for how we feel. Research shows that being in nature can boost our appreciation for life, improve our focus and brain function, and lower stress levels....

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Local Educator travels to Sri Lanka with ACES Global Academy

June 20, 2025

Darci Webber, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for McLean, Livingston, and Woodford Counties, recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka with the University of Illinois College of ACES Global Academy. Together, nine professionals from the University of Illinois traveled to...

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Take your houseplants on a summer vacation…to the patio!

May 30, 2025

It’s not just kids who love going on vacation during the summer—your houseplants might enjoy one too! Many indoor plants originate from tropical forests, where they thrive in dappled sunlight and warm temperatures. Consider giving them a seasonal retreat by moving them to a shaded patio or covered...

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dragonfly hovering over leaf near freshwater

Dragonflies and Damselflies 

May 23, 2025

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are near water where you might encounter members of the Odonata order. This group includes dragonflies and damselflies, which can often be seen resting on plants or rocks close to freshwater habitats. Adult...

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dormant ginger rhizomes ready to pre-sprout

Fresh ginger rhizome cultivation in Illinois

May 19, 2025

Most farmers’ market visitors are familiar with seeing tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, and other high-value horticultural crops on vendor tables throughout the season. This fall, a new and promising specialty crop will likely appear on farmers' market tables across Illinois - fresh, baby...

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It’s Berry Easy: Grow Your Own Strawberries!

May 2, 2025

Have you enjoyed a sweet, juicy strawberry this spring? If so, it was likely grown in a warmer climate and shipped to your local grocery store. While store-bought strawberries are convenient, growing them in a home garden is both rewarding and surprisingly simple. Strawberries...

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Chinquapin Bluffs and Chinkapin Oaks on Arbor Day

April 25, 2025

Happy Arbor Day! This celebration began in 1872 as a day to plant and appreciate trees in the natural world around us. With over 150 years celebrating Arbor Day, various states and countries have helped plant new trees and educate various populations about why trees are so important in our...

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