Emerald ash borer continues spread through Illinois; Extension can help manage
URBANA, Ill. — While much of Illinois has been focused on the emergence of periodical cicadas in the summer of 2024, another insect is buzzing about that is more than a nuisance; it’s a threat to ash trees everywhere. In June, the...
4-H Cloverbuds bloom at Cloverbud Camp
ONARGA, Ill — 46 curious Cloverbuds from Ford and Iroquois Counties got a taste of “Big Kid 4-H” from 27 teenage 4-Hers from the Emerging Leaders SPIN Club at Cloverbud Camp on June 5, 2024, at the Ford-Iroquois Counties Extension Office. This fun-filled day featured everything from dog...
Provide resources to pollinators in any space with container gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for...
Specialist and migratory birds at greater risk under climate change
URBANA, Ill. — Following decades of decline, even fewer birds will darken North American skies by the end of the century, according to a new analysis by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their...
Gardening for a hummingbird's travels
URBANA, Ill. — Hummingbirds are unlike any other bird. Spanning the Americas with over 330 species, hummingbirds belong to Trochilidae, the second-largest bird family in the world. However, only the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) inhabits the Midwest....
Extension leverages neuromarketing to boost awareness of HPV vaccine in Hispanic communities
URBANA, Ill. — Vaccines are a crucial line of defense in our fight against infectious diseases, acting as a protective barrier for communities. Yet, even with their demonstrated success, false information and doubts have created an unsettling resistance among some individuals. This hesitancy,...
Beyond the recipe box: youth event showcases the power of teamwork, improvisation
DECATUR, Ill. — The Illinois 4-H Food Challenge had its first culminating statewide event on June 1, bringing together talented young chefs from across the state to showcase their culinary skills. This program is designed to help youth develop expertise in nutrition,...
Learn how to help others during an emergency with Mental Health First Aid training
URBANA, Ill. — One in five Americans has a mental illness, and depression and anxiety increased following the pandemic. Still, many are reluctant to seek help due to stigma or don't know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can...
Growing Extension forestry team speaks for the trees
URBANA, Ill. — Oaks, elms, hickories, and other trees cover Illinois in a tapestry of forests and woodlands that shade homes and parks, shelter and feed wildlife, produce oxygen, and stabilize soil. Trees once covered more than a third of Illinois, but now that number is halved and disease,...
Master Gardener and radio mainstay celebrates 30 years
DANVILLE, Ill. — John Bodensteiner sits down at the microphone in the studio of 1490 WDAN. He checks his notes and talks with his co-host, fellow Master Gardener Kristy Herr-Bartos, and their producer, Landon. They share laughs and talk as they wonder if a...
Consider adding periodical cicadas to summer list of favorite ice cream toppings
URBANA, Ill. — “That’s surprisingly delicious!” This is maybe not the phrase first expected to be heard when trying a once-in-a-lifetime lunch menu of cicada pesto pizza, cicada tempura bites with lime aioli, and, for dessert, cicada ice cream sundaes.This spring, a team of...
Illinois Extension's health equity project recognized at National Health Outcomes Conference
URBANA, Ill. — Picture a world where everyone enjoys equal access to optimal health, regardless of where they were born or their identity. Sadly, reality diverges from this ideal. Health disparities disproportionately impact many Illinois residents due to factors such as race, nationality, and...
Keep agriculture safety a priority with tips from Cultivating Caution webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Taking the extra time to plan safety precautions into daily routines can save a life when accidents occur, and they will. The agriculture industry is filled with risk, injury, and danger at about every turn. Cultivating Caution is a monthly webinar series that explores...
4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello earns spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Summer Camps 2024
MONTICELLO, Ill. — 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello has recently been included in Newsweek's list of America's Best Summer Camps 2024, earning a full 5-star rating. This recognition is especially meaningful as the camp celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer, marking decades of dedication to...
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies.
“When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a...
Martens Center hosts resource-rich Extension Day with Illinois Extension
CHAMPAIGN, Ill — University of Illinois Extension and the Champaign Parks District threw open the doors to the Martens Center on Saturday, May 11, for Extension Day. Nearly 300 people attended the event and got to take advantage of the wonderful resources from Extension, the Park District,...
Spend summer days growing, supporting gardens with webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Get ready to spend summer days outdoors gardening, exploring, and enjoying the growing season by adding in Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning June 11. University of...
Report Asian longhorned ticks to help track invasive pest that threatens livestock
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive Asian longhorned tick, which can pose a health risk for humans, animals, and livestock, has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents of west central Illinois are advised to watch out for and report sightings of this new pest. The Asian...
