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...

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...

Illinois 4-H celebrates achievements of national qualifiers
...

Governments look for ways to help small businesses
URBANA, Ill. - Community leaders across Illinois are working hard to adopt and overcome challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey conducted by University of Illinois Extension. Town, city, and county...

Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris
URBANA, Ill. - There aren’t very many plants that come in a wider range of color than iris. In the past 50 years, thousands of cultivars in various colors, sizes, and forms have been developed. "I have about 20 cultivars of bearded iris in my garden including a small white and lavender...

Extension announces inaugural class of Illini Science Policy Fellows
URBANA, Ill. – Five graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are embarking on a year of public service as the inaugural class of the Illini Science Policy Fellowship program. Offered by University of Illinois...

Discover summer plants of Illinois during Walk and Talk Webinar
URBANA, Ill. – The official start of summer has provided many beautiful days to get out and take a walk around the neighborhood. Perhaps you discovered a native plant on your property or purchased a flowering shrub to incorporate into your home landscape. Join...

Be a bee spotter during National Pollinator Week
...

Local governments encouraged to expand racial equity policies
University of Illinois Extension is facilitating discussion on racial equity in local governments during a free, online webinar on July 16. ...

Rural Resilience virtual course gives farmers tools to manage stress
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life is stressful. Rural communities face unique mental health risks, but it can be hard to talk about it. “I’ve heard stories of farmers who would drive three hours to a mental health seminar; not because there wasn’t one closer,” says...

Project learning never stops in 4-H
The Illinois 4-H youth development program empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship. Youth, organized in clubs,...

6 tips for watering container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Every garden needs water, but with a container garden’s limited soil volume, proper watering is crucial for plants to stay productive. “Proper drainage is just as important as the amount of water added to the container,” says Andrew Holsinger,...

Tune in to Illinois Extension podcasts
URBANA, Ill. – On the go or at home, University of Illinois Extension podcasts entertain and inform listeners about topics that matter. While in-person educational programs are currently canceled or postponed until after July 31 due to...

Take care of your teeth
...

Flavor summer with backyard basil
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing says summer like enjoying freshly harvested herbs from your garden or patio. “One of the easiest, most prolific, and flavorful herbs to grow is basil,” says Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. While there are many...

Summer STEM professional development for educators
PEKIN, Ill. - Exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, science inquiry, and building relationships with students are the topics being offered in the Teacher Tuesdays Summer Series for educators of all kinds. This summer, three online events, led by University of...

More than $100 billion still available for small businesses
...

Charleston native named new Extension county director
URBANA, Ill. – A passion for continuing education, innovation, and educational leadership brings Pamela Vaughan-Sturgeon to her appointment as ...

Meet the scientists: David Zaya studies plant communities
...