Take steps to address climate change at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in a...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Prepare your trees for severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Spring showers, summer thunderstorms, a winter dusting of snow; these are familiar weather events for Midwesterners, but as climate changes so do weather events. Extreme weather is increasing in Illinois.
Over the past 120 years, significant changes have occurred that are...
Taking time to select plants for difficult growing conditions helps long-term success
URBANA, Ill – Difficult growing conditions leave gardeners stumped when selecting plants. These planting areas may include alkaline soils, dry shade, over a septic tank, a large local deer population, and more.
Always consider the existing site conditions when selecting new plants for...
Avoid injury, fines, power outages by calling 811 before digging
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — National Safe Digging Day, or 811 Day, is upon us. Easy to remember because of its 8/11 date, the day is a good reminder to get underground utilities marked prior to breaking ground. Having utilities marked is free and easy to do; simply call 811 two to three business days...
Slow stormwater, prevent floods with rain friendly landscaping
URBANA, Ill. – Life does not exist without water. Gardens don’t grow without water. But what happens when there is too much of a good thing? Or when that good thing is mismanaged and becomes a misfortune. Or when there are prolonged periods of drought?“The tale of stormwater is more...
Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others
URBANA, Ill. – The splendor of trees and shrubs comes from what is above ground, but don’t forget about what lies beneath. Poorly drained areas, easily identified after a downpour of rain, are not suitable for some trees or shrubs.
“Soil plays a vital role in the...
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.
”...
Storm-damaged trees may not be savable
URBANA, Ill. Severe thunderstorms, tornados, and strong winds sometimes damage trees, flowers, and lawns.
An EF-3 tornado that hit Northern Illinois in June destroyed several 100-year-old trees. Homeowners in Woodridge and Naperville struggled to find the best ways to clean up and...
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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Preparing youth is one strategy for community disaster preparedness
URBANA, Ill. – Fueled in part by the public’s recent interest in the coronavirus (COVID-19), disaster preparedness is a topic that is top-of-mind for many people these days. As communities grapple with questions about how to prepare for and respond to a public health crisis, many leaders and...
In the face of disaster, Extension Disaster Education Network provides enduring support
MOLINE, Ill. – Many areas throughout the country at some point will experience a disaster—manmade, natural or both. Once the news crews and emergency responders move on to the next crisis, communities often face the prospect of long-term recovery with few remaining resources.
Just such a...
