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...
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 youth honored for career achievements at awards ceremony
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state were honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program at the 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 9.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in 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 ready to take on new statewide leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Five Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.
The team is comprised of 20 4-H members and recent alumni under the age of 21 who coordinate and assist with statewide 4-H activities....
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...
Early blooming spring ephemerals flowers welcome warmer weather
URBANA, Ill. – Spring ephemeral flowers are nature’s gems after winter. These short-lived beauties are wildflowers that grow in woodlands in the early spring before the leaves on deciduous trees are open. They are called spring ephemerals because they have a relatively short blooming time....
Home-to-Market Act expands options for Illinois’ growing cottage food industry
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ Cottage Food Law allows food entrepreneurs, local producers, and home cooks to sell non-potentially hazardous homemade foods and drinks to the public. Prior to 2012, those foods had to be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen, an expensive option for those running a...
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...
Avocado meal, a novel fiber source for dogs
URBANA, Ill. – When avocados were first recognized as a nutrient-dense superfood for humans, consumption skyrocketed. Today, consumers buy and eat the fresh fruit (hello, avocado toast),...
Talking about money doesn't have to be stressful
URBANA, Ill. – Many households experience stress and anxiety about their personal finances. These intense feelings of uneasiness and discontent can lead to misinformation and negative money behaviors.
University of Illinois Extension is providing a series of six free...
Pelleted seed gives gardeners a sown in advantage
URBANA, Ill. – Have you noticed the windowed packets of seeds at garden centers with brightly colored “seeds”? These pelleted seeds are small or irregular seed that have a specialized inert coating applied to improve planting, spacing, and germination. Often the coating, which increases the...
Digging into soil data helps inform green infrastructure design
URBANA, Ill. – Managing stormwater has become more challenging as urban development increases, storms get bigger and sewer systems can’t keep up. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funded a University of Illinois project to help communities add green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to their strategies...
Secure your farm's security by knowing your legal rights
URBANA, Ill. – Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances.
University of Illinois Extension partners with Farm Commons for a four-part series on legal issues for farms....
