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,...
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...
Illinois AgrAbility provides assistive technology to farmers statewide
URBANA, Ill. — Stepping in to assist farmers through research, conversation, knowledge, and assistance devices is how Illinois AgrAbility continues to work alongside farmers across the state of Illinois. Together, the two work together to...
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
Springfield, IL – Nearly 40 Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb. 7 and 8, and May 16 and 17. 4-H Legislative...
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...
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...
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in...
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-lasting...
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide.
Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize...
Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden
URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to planting one that is built to last is long. What funding sources are available?...
