Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual...
Songbirds socialize on the wing during migration, new study says
URBANA, Ill. — The night sky teems with migrating songbirds, aloft in their millions following routes etched in evolutionary time. But those flight paths may not be entirely innate, according to new research...
Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...
Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...
Local Climate Stewards can lead to big changes with new environmental program
URBANA, Ill. — Climate change is a complex global challenge, but local action has an important role in empowering communities and building resiliency. The new University of Illinois Extension Climate Steward course trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in...
Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics
URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program...
Tree series strives to teach proper care techniques to lengthen lifespan of Illinois trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are essential to nature’s landscape and our daily lives. Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure their best life and healthier urban forest. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to be impacted through improved air...
Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...
Dig deeper into local agriculture at one of Illinois Extension’s Agronomy Summits
URBANA, Ill. — With the Midwest harvest season in the books and spring 2025 coming into view, plan to attend one of six University of Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits across the state. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts...
Discover practical tips for chronic disease management
URBANA, Ill. — Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to a diminished quality of life and emotional distress. Many individuals struggle daily with persistent discomfort that impacts their ability to work, engage in activities they love, and maintain relationships....
Candy jar terrariums: A nostalgic take on a holiday gift
URBANA, Ill. — Leaves and temperatures are falling. As we prepare landscapes and gardens for winter, look towards indoor plant care to warm the mood. Giving plants for the holidays brings a little sunshine and warmth to those near and dear.Impossible bottles or...
Add these garden tools to holiday wish lists
URBANA, Ill. — Gardeners love a fresh pair of pruners or nicely sharpened spade. Using specialized tools helps to lighten the workload, and using the right tool for the job can save a lot of time. Keep these ideas in mind when looking for innovative tools to add to gift lists throughout the...
Overwintering potted plants
URBANA, Ill. — Perennial plants being overwintered in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are some steps to try to get these plants through the winter and enjoy them again come spring....
Illinois Extension's health education transforms lives in Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — In line with Illinois' land-grant mission, University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, fosters knowledge, and builds partnerships to support individuals and communities. In 2023, the team members working in Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences program areas...
Illinois Deer Donation Program evolves to Hunters Feeding Illinois to combat hunger
URBANA, Ill. — In response to rising food and meat prices and food pantries' difficulties obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension and key partners launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This initiative initially covered 12 counties and has combated food insecurity by...
Learn useful strategies for chronic pain management
URBANA, Ill. — Pain is the body's warning signal that something is wrong. Patients and physicians collaborate to identify and treat the underlying cause at the first signs. However, over time, patients may be diagnosed with chronic pain. According to the ...
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners celebrate 50 years of impact, momentum for future
URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois...