Extension expands programming, continues virtual 4-H shows in August
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension will allow staff and volunteers to resume limited in-person gatherings in August, consistent with the public health and safety guidelines outlined in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois...
4-H Multi-County Virtual Dog Show Winners Announced
Sterling, Ill. - This year’s University of Illinois Extension 4-H multi-county dog show was held virtually between June 20 and June 28. This is the third year that Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties have participated in a multi-county show.
All participants were...
Governments look for ways to help small businesses
URBANA, Ill. - Community leaders across Illinois are working hard to adopt and overcome challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey conducted by University of Illinois Extension. Town, city, and county...
Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris
URBANA, Ill. - There aren’t very many plants that come in a wider range of color than iris. In the past 50 years, thousands of cultivars in various colors, sizes, and forms have been developed.
"I have about 20 cultivars of bearded iris in my garden including a small white and lavender...
Rural Resilience virtual course gives farmers tools to manage stress
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life is stressful. Rural communities face unique mental health risks, but it can be hard to talk about it.
“I’ve heard stories of farmers who would drive three hours to a mental health seminar; not because there wasn’t one closer,” says...
Project learning never stops in 4-H
The Illinois 4-H youth development program empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship. Youth, organized in clubs,...
6 tips for watering container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Every garden needs water, but with a container garden’s limited soil volume, proper watering is crucial for plants to stay productive.
“Proper drainage is just as important as the amount of water added to the container,” says Andrew Holsinger,...
Tune in to Illinois Extension podcasts
URBANA, Ill. – On the go or at home, University of Illinois Extension podcasts entertain and inform listeners about topics that matter.
While in-person educational programs are currently canceled or postponed until after July 31 due to...
Flavor summer with backyard basil
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing says summer like enjoying freshly harvested herbs from your garden or patio.
“One of the easiest, most prolific, and flavorful herbs to grow is basil,” says Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
While there are many...
Summer STEM professional development for educators
PEKIN, Ill. - Exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, science inquiry, and building relationships with students are the topics being offered in the Teacher Tuesdays Summer Series for educators of all kinds. This summer, three online events, led by University of...
Extension to continue online events, 4-H shows in July
URBANA, Ill. – As the state of Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the coronavirus Restore Illinois plan, University of Illinois Extension continues to provide research-based educational programs for families, farmers, and businesses in formats that support public health and safety priorities....
At-home animal slaughter involves risk, challenges
URBANA, Ill. - Supply chain and distribution challenges are leaving producers stranded with animals ready for market but no place to go. Some may consider custom slaughter or butchering at-home as a way to relieve this pressure. While producers are able to slaughter their own animals, this...