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...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Illinois Experience 4-H award recognizes two local youths for leadership
DECATUR, Ill. – 4-H celebrates the accomplishments of its members in an annual award ceremony each April. Two Macon County Maroa Livestock 4-H club members received a state 4-H Experience Award for their career achievements.
Morgan Crouch and Taylor Crouch were awarded the Emerald Clover...
Bollero named College of ACES dean
URBANA, Ill. – Germán Bollero will be the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pending approval by the University...
Make the most of mulch by choosing from living, synthetic, inorganic, or organic
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, gardeners turn to mulches for their landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits of mulch is reduced soil erosion and compaction. Mulch also moderates soil temperature keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another...
Illinois Extension to create holistic regenerative ag course
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ agriculture industry is rooted in its soil. Now, University of Illinois Extension is continuing to invest in the earth by developing a regenerative agricultural program to bring healthy soil practices to farms and gardens statewide.
The North Central Region...
7 tips to reduce spread of norovirus during stomach flu season
The stomach flu is likely caused by norovirus, a group of related viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This highly contagious virus has several strains and spreads quickly from person to person, causing mayhem...
Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Robotics team is strong contender on and off the field
DECATUR, Ill. — The FIRST Tech Challenge robotics season has been going strong, and Super SCREAM Bros will once again represent Macon County 4-H at the Illinois FTC Championship...
Best medicine includes healthy veggies; Macon County garden wins top award
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy food can improve health outcomes. A team of University of Illinois Extension staff in Macon County combined efforts to improve food access for participants in Crossing Healthcare’s Prescription Produce Program.
Their efforts earned the team Extension’s...
Winter sowing workshop helps gardeners stay on top of gardening in the offseason
DECATUR, Ill.— Winter sowing is a popular gardening strategy that exposes seeds to cold temperatures while keeping them protected in a container. The seeds remain outside in the container and germinate once the temperatures rise. The result is a heartier spring transplant and a budget-friendly...
Winter sow seeds for a head start on your garden and a beautiful blooming season
MONTICELLO, Ill. — Some plants won’t bloom the first year unless you sow the seeds early. Winter-sown seeds tend to be much heartier than seeds grown inside. These are just a few of the benefits of sowing seeds in winter, including helping to keep your gardening budget in check during the spring...
Master Gardener program offers new training options
DECATUR, Ill.— You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening with a desire to learn and share knowledge. The program is about connecting people with other gardeners, their community, and reliable resources for information. Once...
Share your time and talents and become a Glacier's Edge Master Naturalist
DECATUR, Ill. — Connecting people with nature and encouraging environmental stewardship is essential to becoming a more sustainable society. University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist training program prepares adult volunteers to become environmental stewards. Registration for the...
Hard work and dedication pay off for Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team
CLINTON, Ill. — A DeWitt County 4-H member recently competed on the Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team in the National Livestock 4-H Quiz Bowl Competition in Louisville, Ky. The 4-H team was named fourth in the nation for their performance.
Davis Howell from DeWitt County earned a...
Mountain lions on the move through Illinois, not here to stay
URBANA, Ill. – Mountain lions have been on the move this fall with two confirmed sightings of animals in northern and central Illinois. Large predators occasionally pass through Illinois but are not here to stay.
The...
