Jersey County Extension Welcomes New 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator
Jerseyville, Ill. – Illinois Extension and 4-H recently welcomed Beth Steckel to its statewide network of youth development program coordinators who provide evidence-based, hands-on learning programs to youth to help them explore opportunities and acquire life skills. Beth will...
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
First bat celebration takes flight to raise awareness about conservation
URBANA, Ill. — Bats are an iconic symbol of spooky season, and more than 800 people attended the first Central Illinois Bat Festival on Sept. 28 in Urbana for a celebration of all things batty, including exhibits on bat conservation, guest speakers, activities for kids, and an evening bat walk...
Study combines woodchips and biochar to clean water of pharmaceuticals, nutrients
URBANA, Ill. — What happens to ibuprofen after it eases your throbbing headache? Like many pharmaceuticals, it can remain in an active form when our bodies flush it out. That’s a problem, because although wastewater treatment plants are good at reducing nutrient pollutants in water,...
Nature-inspired sustainable student art on display at Red Oak Rain Garden
URBANA, Ill. — Nature at the Red Oak Rain Garden celebrates autumn with the bright purples of blooming aster flowers, a mosaic of tree leaves drifting slowly to the ground, and the nighttime chorus of insects and owls as twilight settles in. This October, the “Illuminating Art in Nature”...
The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
Faced with environmental challenges, Illinois Extension Master Naturalists sow seeds of hope
MACOMB, Ill. — The beauty of autumn in west central Illinois is not subtle. Amber swaths of blooming goldenrod are adorned by monarch butterflies under a bright blue sky, which only ends when it meets the expanse of Illinois River wetlands, filled with the calls of migrating birds. This vibrant...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Study explores what families fight about: Communication, moods, and chores
URBANA, Ill. — Conflict in families can negatively affect individuals’ well-being and relationships. But what exactly do families today fight about, and is conflict in the home generally more severe between couples or between parents and children? A...
Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...
Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
Youth-led initiative helps fight hunger through State Fair event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the...
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
