Kane County Master Gardeners host sale June 17 at Idea Garden
ST. CHARLES, Ill. – Pick up plants and goodies for your own garden, and then tour the 2023 Kane County Master Gardener Idea Garden on Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. in St. Charles.
The Kane County Master Gardener Plant and Garden Sale includes perennials, natives, vegetables,...
Summer-long University of Illinois Agronomy Days kick off May 20
URBANA, Ill. — Last year, the University of Illinois tried something new with its longstanding Agronomy Day. After more than six decades, the single-day ag education event was no more. Instead, the Department of Crop...
Discover how to increase Illinois pollinators through thoughtful garden design
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are vital to both plant and human life on Earth. In recent years, pollinator populations have declined dramatically, which has prompted an immediate need for their protection and perpetuation on the landscape.
...
New U of I Extension educator poised to serve diverse needs of the tri-county area
URBANA, Ill. — From protecting native plants and pollinators to helping urban, suburban, and rural residents grow food in their communities, the new University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator aims to meet the diverse needs of DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.
Jamie Viebach...
Art and culture: A path to progress and community development
URBANA, Ill. — Artists, arts organizations and collectives, and arts activities, in general, can play a valuable role in economic and social development, as well as in the long-term sustainability of communities. Creating artistic spaces fosters connections across sectors to improve physical and...
Bugged by houseplant pests? Give carnivorous plants a try
URBANA, Ill. – During the chilly, dreary winter months, I enjoy my green houseplants that add a bright spot in my office and living space. So when I was visiting a new specialty plant shop this fall, I had to add a new plant friend, “Ping,” to my collection.
If you have ever dealt with...
Organizations plant oak trees in tornado-damaged portion of DuPage County
WOODRIDGE, Ill. – Boundary Hills in DuPage County is now home to 25 new oak trees thanks to local 4-H youth, community members, and organizations. The group of oak trees, known as a savanna, will help restore this tornado-damaged area, as well as supplement oak-hickory forests currently under...
Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances.
Gain the financial...
Youth show off their best catches in statewide competition
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April.
While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.
“When a kid cares...
Illinois 4-H members engage with federal officials in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Youth delegates from across the country came together to participate in round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies at the National 4-H Conference held April 14-19. Following the conference,...
Virtual map provides a tool for rain garden stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – When caring for a rain garden, one of the most helpful tools may not be a rake or a pruner, but a map. The Red Oak Rain Garden interactive map shows the layout of the garden’s native plant placement. This makes maintenance easier and also helps visitors learn about the...
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at...
Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by building...
4-H teams up with community to plant trees in Kendall County
OSWEGO, Ill. – Bluegrass Prairie Park in Kendall County is now home to 25 new oak trees thanks to local youth, community members, and organizations. The group of oak trees will help supplement oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois.
In light of this, Illinois 4-H...
Master Gardener plant sale features vegetable and native plants
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Build up your gardens and pick up free advice at the annual Kendall County Master Gardener Plant Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Land-grant universities key in managing devastating Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy North American ash trees following its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990s. Since then, efforts have been underway to identify the most effective means of protecting ash trees from attack.
In recent...
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....
