Bring birds close to home by gardening for feathered friends
URBANA, Ill. — People plant gardens for food, flowers, and function, but planting for the birds can be beautiful and beneficial to the environment. What if instead of storebought bird seed in a feeder, gardens could include a buffet of different foods for birds while also being a beautiful...
Annie's Project empowers women in agricultural industry
DECATUR, Ill. — Women producers have been taking on more management roles within agricultural operations. To support this rapidly growing population of farmers, the University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties and Farm Credit Illinois are partnering to offer a six-...
New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects
URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may...
Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address...
Pollinator garden flourishes at Danville Public Library
DANVILLE, Ill. — As someone strolls along the sidewalk in front of the Danville Public Library, they are greeted by the enchanting sight of bees, wasps, a variety of butterflies, and even some mydas flies flitting between the vibrant, colorful flowers of a thriving...
Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production
URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for...
Hard work pays off at Ford County Livestock Show
MELVIN, Ill — Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Ford County 4-H Livestock Show. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they show the "best of the best" during the annual...
4-Hers shine at Ford County Fair
MELVIN, Ill — 4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Ford County Fair 4-H Project Show on June 24. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interests them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to...
Head Start staff invited to learn about BMI measurement, communication best practices
URBANA, Ill. — Every year, Head Start programs collect children’s body mass index data and communicate results to families to address childhood obesity in enrolled children. In a recently published research article, Head Start staff across the country shared that there is a lack of guidance on...
Tips for getting landscape plants through summer
URBANA, Ill. — While much of the work done in the garden happens in the spring, that doesn’t mean growers can coast through summer. Supplemental watering, weeding, and managing pests will go a long way to keep landscapes growing through the summer.WaterAs the...
Top dogs: 4-Hers showcasing talent and dedication at dog show
URBANA, Ill. — Enthusiastic cheers and wagging tails set the stage as young dog handlers from Champaign County displayed their dedication, skill, and love for their canine companions at this year's Champaign County 4-H Dog Show. These exciting events provided a...
First of its kind study shines light on LGBTQ+ farmer mental health
URBANA, Ill. — LGBTQ+ people involved in farm work are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent and about two and a half times more likely to experience anxiety than the general population. That’s according to a...
To survive the summer heat, choose plants built for the sizzle
URBANA, Ill. — Summer can be a scorcher, but by selecting the right plants, a landscape can still look sultry all summer long.Both trialed and native plants can tolerate the heat. Trial plants are evaluated throughout the season for heat tolerance and can be planted in the ground or...
Illinois Extension offers tips to boost your brainpower
DANVILLE, Ill — Looking to sharpen your mind and boost your brainpower? This double-feature event tackles both cognitive health and nutrition! Illinois Extension's Family Life and Nutrition and Wellness Teams are bringing an...
Champaign County Master Gardeners' "Garden Gatherings" attracts over 1,000 visitors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill - The Champaign County Master Gardeners' annual Garden Walk, "Garden Gatherings," was a blooming success on Saturday, June 15th, attracting over 1,000 garden enthusiasts.The self-guided tour showcased five Champaign County homeowners' stunning private...
Youth master essential skills through livestock judging competition
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a...
AgrAbility provides more resources, expands chronic disease webinar series through summer
URBANA, Ill. — Experiencing symptoms from chronic disease is a daily and often private occurrence for many. Illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, or other chronic long-term conditions can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety,...
Take care of your trees with summer Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has 4.8 million acres of tree-covered land. From shading homes and feeding wildlife to producing oxygen and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry...
