Get out of the sun with 5 ideas for backyard shade
URBANA, Ill. - Relaxing outdoors while surrounded by plants is a great stress reducer. As temperatures heat up, you can prolong your time outside by creating some shade in your yard.
"Shaded areas let you stay outside longer without getting exhausted from the sun," says...
Forestry website supports Illinois woodland owners
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension forestry program launched its newly designed website making it easier for forest owners to access the tools they need to manage their woodlands.
“Our new website was developed to help educate, advise and assist the public with...
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 plan. While...
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 leaders across the...
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...
Virtual STEAM career exploration for middle schoolers
PEKIN, Ill - This summer, middle school students can explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) careers during “Meet a STEAM Professional.” This program, offered by University of Illinois Extension and 4-H, will allow young people to get a behind-the-scenes look at STEAM...
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, study...
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,...
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...
Master Naturalist Applications Now Accepted for Tri-County Training in August
YORKVILLE – Do you have a passion for conservation and natural resources? Are you interested in volunteer opportunities? In August, University of Illinois Extension will begin a new season of its Master Naturalist training program for DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties.
The University of...