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Leave the leaves: Fall cleanup affects beneficial insects

November 11, 2026

In the fall, many gardeners want to clear away dead leaves, trim back perennials, and give their landscape a clean, tidy appearance. However, research shows that many beneficial insects rely on leaf litter and standing stems to survive the winter.The popular phrase "leave the leaves" reflects a...

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Bison: Prairie engineers of Illinois

November 6, 2026

What gardeners can learn from one of Illinois' most influential prairie animals.Most people think of bison as animals of the western plains. Yet bison can still be found in Illinois today. Herds at Nachusa Grasslands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Fermilab, and Wildlife Prairie Park help...

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From serviceberries to winterberries: Native fruits for birds year-round

October 30, 2026

Native trees and shrubs provide more than flowers, fall color, and wildlife habitat. They also create a diverse selection of food for birds throughout the year. A serviceberry might feed birds in early summer, spicebush and dogwood during fall migration, and winterberry after the leaves have fallen...

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Beyond the bird feeder: Grow an autumn food web with native plants

October 26, 2026

As leaves change color, fall migration brings many birds through central Illinois. Warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds stop along the way to rest and search for food. Some will remain in Illinois for the winter, while others still have a long journey ahead.Bird feeders can supplement...

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Grow your own apple orchard and enjoy the bounty

October 9, 2026

By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener and Master NaturalistServing Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell CountiesI grew up on a farm and my parents felt it important to have an orchard full of every kind of fruit tree, but apples were the favorite of us all. My brother's...

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Why are fall colors so brilliant some years and dull others?

October 9, 2026

The science behind autumn color and trees to consider for your landscape.The change from summer to autumn is often signaled by leaves glowing in shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Some years, the trees seem painted with brilliant color. Other years, the display feels muted and short-lived....

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Local Master Gardeners earn state recognition for service and impact

October 9, 2026

Master Gardener volunteers help strengthen communities across central Illinois through education, local food production, conservation, and community partnerships. Their work supports youth and adult learning, improves public spaces, expands access to fresh produce, and connects residents with...

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A late-summer look at Illinois roadsides

September 1, 2026

In 2017, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Rhonda Ferree shared a roadside inventory of late-summer flowers in her blog post, Roadside Flowers. Readers were encouraged to look for species such...

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New homeowners should take time to learn their yard

August 4, 2026

By Deborah Lane, Extension Master Gardener, Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell CountiesAs a Master Gardener volunteer, I have learned that many new homeowners arrive with the same concern: they have inherited a yard, but they are not sure what they have. Moving day may bring boxes...

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Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary: A local nature classroom

August 4, 2026

By Roberta Clifton, Extension Master Naturalist, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and TazewellOff the beaten path, but only 30 minutes from our capital city of Springfield, in Loami, Illinois, is a wonderful place I found in 2015. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature stop that offers everything from...

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