Competition takes youth into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April.
While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.
“When...
Grow curly willows for an artistic twist in the landscape, winter flower arrangements
URBANA, Ill. – Willow trees are most well known for their long, draping branches that give them a refined and graceful appearance. That is unless it is a corkscrew willow.
The unique branching and twisting features of the Salix genus curly willow not only adds visual interest to...
Youth in public speaking contest learn skills that last a lifetime
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at...
Prevent the spread of invasive species in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know what an invasive species is, but you've likely heard about them and the price tags they can carry. The estimated cost of managing the damages caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or Asian carp is $120 billion annually in the U.S.
May is...
Wheat tour highlights yields, disease strategies
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Wheat variety and seed treatment trials will highlight the 2022 Southern Illinois Wheat Tour sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association.
The May 24 tour will give Illinois wheat growers an opportunity to tour wheat fields and estimate yields for the 2021/22 winter...
Researchers call on backyard scientists to help save pollinators
URBANA, Ill. – Fluttering quietly and steadily from flower to bloom, butterflies, bees and other pollinators do the hard background work of fertilizing flowering plants, fruits and crops. But these unsung heroes are in danger. Studies have shown an estimated 40% of insect species, including the...
Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats
URBANA, Ill. – Imagine if you had to catch every bite of your dinner with your mouth, while flying, in the dark. You’d be exhausted, and probably pretty hungry. Though some bats go for sedentary insects, most catch their food on the wing every single night. Let that sink in.
Because they...
Master Naturalists advocate for diversity in ecosystems and volunteer program
URBANA, Ill. – Diverse ecosystems are healthy ecosystems. Wildlife, plants, and fungi are naturally interconnected and rely on each other. The same is true of those who advocate for the environment – diversity makes them stronger.
The University of Illinois Extension...
Take steps to help stop avian flu in wild birds, domestic flocks
URBANA, Ill. – Avian flu cases are on the rise in the Midwest. From canceled poultry shows to advising homeowners to remove bird feeders, Illinois is urging those who come into contact with birds to take steps to prevent the disease from spreading.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a...
Scale up your garden’s health with fish emulsion fertilizer
URBANA, Ill. – Over the years, there has been a growing demand for organic-based fertilizers to use in the garden and landscaping. There are of course ways to manufacture these organic fertilizers, but what if we could use a byproduct of the manufacture of a different product? It is an efficient...
I-Rural: Helping communities meet increased demand for rural tourism
URBANA, Ill. – Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Illinois. Now, rural Illinois communities are getting help to reimagine the potential for tourism growth and sustainability.
Pandemic restrictions generated renewed interest in rural outdoor activities....
Give caterpillars a chance with soft landings under trees
URBANA, Ill. – Trees are natural caretakers – their limbs provide shade and shelter, their seeds and leaves provide food, their roots filter water. Insect scientists have another skill to add to the list – a haven for caterpillars. Entomologists are asking gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers...
Know what to do around downed power lines
May is Electrical Safety Month
After an accident involving downed power lines, stay in the car or cab and call 9-1-1
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — May is Electrical Safety Month and a good time to think about how to stay safe in a situation where there are...
Youth compete in robotics competition that’s out of this world
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 13 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the...
Generate income with your woodlands
URBANA, Ill. – Woodlands are a valuable resource that many forest owners use to make income by selling timber. But landowners may have more opportunities to make money from their property than they realize.
Landowners can explore income generating specialty products and recreational...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Foundation awards $45,000 in 4-H scholarships at awards celebration ceremony
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held on April 9 at the I Hotel & Conference Center. The ceremony celebrated career achievements of 4-H members and the ...
4‑H members learn how to turn projects into professions
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members gained skills on turning their projects into professions at a virtual College & Career Readiness Workshop hosted on March 22.
The Illinois 4-H...
Teens put leadership skills to the test as they meet with state legislators
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois 4-H teens communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on April 6.
Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a unique opportunity to promote the Illinois 4-H program to...
