Refreshing raised bed soil generates exceptional results
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners facing the aftermath of a hard winter often find themselves staring at problematic raised beds with significantly reduced soil levels.
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Youth fishing program gets kids off screens, into the great outdoors
Urbana, Ill. – In the past year, screen time has increased exponentially as schools, organizations, and even socializing have gone remote. Illinois 4-H has developed a new outdoor curriculum for junior-high age youth focused on getting kids spending time outside and enjoying the proven...
Youth take on the role of citizen scientists in nesting study
Urbana, Ill. - At more than 30 sites across the state, 4-H members are serving as citizen scientists studying the preferences of different styles of nest boxes tailored toward Barred Owls in order to advance future youth environmental stewardship.
This project tracks the...
Get rid of weeds and insects at home without pesticides
URBANA, Ill. – It finally happened; your garden’s first tomato is ready to harvest. Bright red and plump, you can practically taste it, but on closer inspection someone already has. Do you dig out the trusty bottle of insecticide?
Not so fast, says...
4-H Teens to teach Digital Skills in Whiteside County
STERLING, Ill – In Whiteside County, local teen leaders are working with Whiteside County 4-H, community members, and Microsoft to develop targeted digital skills trainings. The training sessions will cover key topics from computer basics to social media...
Attend Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Day Camp and Change Your Child’s Life!
STERLING, Ill-Registration for 4-H Day Camp 2021 is open! 4-H Day Camp is set for June 15, 16 and 17, 2021 at Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL. Sign up today to get your child in on all of the amazing fun! Youth may choose to participate in all three days of...
Bring office plants neglected during pandemic back to life
URBANA, Ill. – When people walked out of their workplaces last March, most did not think it would be months or even a year before they would come back.
As employees continue to return to in-person work, they might find themselves facing...
Spruce, Callery pear have no home in Illinois landscapes
URBANA, Ill. – They are beautiful, tempting, and frequently for sale in Illinois garden centers, but many nonnative trees are less than ideal for land of Lincoln landscapes.
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From hunt to plate, make a tasty dish of your wild game
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois hunters support the health of ecosystems, conservation efforts, and local economies. Successful hunts also provide lean, local protein for families and communities.
University of Illinois Extension...
Warmer temperatures rouse reptiles for spring migration
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois is world famous for its snakes. Every spring starting in March, Snake Road in the far southern reaches of the state closes to vehicles so migrating reptiles and...
Gardening benefits body, mind, wallet
URBANA, Ill. — A continuously connected lifestyle can drain internal batteries quickly, but digging into the world outside may be the best way to rejuvenate, revitalize and recharge.
“The gadgets of gardening aren’t flashy: a shovel, pruners, hoses and bags of seeds,” says...
Youth leaders ready to meet ag challenges today and tomorrow
URBANA, Ill. -- High school students developed the skills and knowledge needed to face challenges in agriculture both as teen leaders today and as future careers tomorrow at the recent National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science....
Youth come together to make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens will gather to gain hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference on April 24 and 25. The theme of this year’s conference is “Making Your Mark,” highlighting the roles and skills that youth can take in...
The time is right to plant cool season vegetables
URBANA, Ill. – Across Illinois, experienced gardeners are blocking dates on their calendars based on expected thaw dates and anticipated harvest times.
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