Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs.
This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...
Extension adds horticulture staff in northwest Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re tending a few well-loved houseplants, responsible for your home or business’ landscape, or growing backyard fruits and vegetables, gardening is challenging. The University of Illinois Extension ...
Goblins, Ghosts, and Ghouls! Oh My!
Is your trick or treater a cute fuzzy tiger or a scary ghost or goblin? A fantastic make-up is just as essential as the costume itself. Join University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners on October 11 at the Sterling Library from 2-4:00 p.m. and learn how to make your...
Learn to Sew at New 4-H club in Amboy
Youth ages 8 and up will have the opportunity to learn a lifelong skill at University of Illinois Extension's beginner sewing SPIN club starting in September. A six session SPIN club runs September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26 & November 2 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Lee...
Light Your Spark in 4-H
Youth ages 8 and up will have the opportunity to learn more about 4-H at University of Illinois Extension's "Light Your Spark in 4-H" workshop. The workshop will be held October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Whiteside Extension Office in Sterling. Explore more about two...
Tips for planting balled-burlapped trees for long-term health, success
URBANA, Ill. – Fall is a great time to plant trees, many of which are originally grown at a nursery either in a plastic container or in the ground before they are balled and burlapped. How the tree is grown in its first years and then planted affects the long-term health of the tree.
”...
Small bees attracted to small flowers
URBANA, Ill. – While the bumblebee is likely the most well-known pollinator, pollinators come in a variety of shapes, species, and sizes.
“Many entomologists believe the tiny sweat bee nectaring on your flowering weed is just as important to a healthy ecosystem as the more well-known...
Baby feeding resource delivers peace of mind for new parents
URBANA, Ill. – New parents faced with the responsibility of caring for a baby often wonder how often to feed a newborn, when to wean babies from breastmilk or formula, when to introduce baby to solid foods, and whether homemade baby food is better than store-bought.
Babies may not come...
Extension webinar extols value of Illinois waterways
URBANA, Ill. – The value of waterborne commerce in the tri-state region of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri in immense. The Heart of the Corn Belt handles enough freight tonnage to be ranked as the equivalent of the largest inland port in the nation.
In a free online webinar by...
Volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success. The program relies on more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the ...
Plant asters for unique display of fall color
URBANA, Ill. – Fall gardens may need some added pops of color this time of year to maintain beauty and diversity until winter arrives. Asters are a late-blooming, pollinator friendly flower that looks great in the garden and in a fall floral display.
“Think beyond the...
AgrAbility to provide tips for safe fall harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Every day, about 100 agricultural workers suffer an injury that results in lost work time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the unique nature of farm life where family members share in...
Extension offers best gardening tips for fall season
URBANA, Ill. – As fall approaches, trees begin to change color, cold weather sweeps in, and garden prepping for winter begins.
A free three-part University of Illinois Extension online webinar series will help gardeners...