All Illinois pesticide training, testing moves online
URBANA, Ill. – All University of Illinois Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) training and testing will be completed online through spring 2021. The change protects the health of...
Planting trees boosts curb appeal and benefits the urban environment
URBANA, Ill. – New homeowners often wonder about the value of planting shade trees when they first move in when there are so many more areas to focus on with a new home.
“Planting shade trees is an investment for the future just like other home upgrades,” says...
Farmdoc expands field crop resources with launch of new website
URBANA, Ill. – A new tool focused on field crop production is joining the suite of University of Illinois farmdoc resources.
For more than 20 years, the farmdoc website has provided Midwestern crop and livestock...
Healthy Meals in the Field for Farm Families
DECATUR, Ill.— Farmers across Illinois are spending long hours in the fields and farm families are shifting mealtime from the kitchen table to the field. Being in the middle of a field without kitchen conveniences like microwaves, refrigerators, and sinks requires farmers, workers, and farm...
Have You Inspected Your Well?
DECATUR, Ill. – Often people who have their own private water well forget how important it is to do annual visual inspection of their well and its components. It does not take long to do, and it might save you an expensive well repair bill.
For the visual inspection, check the wellhead,...
Macon County Master Gardeners receive state awards
DECATUR, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Macon County Master Gardeners and a Macon County Master Gardener teamwork project as state award winners. The winners were recognized on October 2, 2020, during a virtual awards ceremony that featured...
Piatt County Master Gardeners receive state awards
MONTICELLO, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension's State Master Gardener Program has named two Piatt County Master Gardeners and a Piatt County Master Gardener teamwork project as state award winners. The winners were recognized on October 2, 2020, during a virtual awards ceremony that...
Wellness, nutrition education training for early childcare providers
URBANA, Ill. – Positive habits for children start with healthy, happy, and empowered childcare providers. Early childcare professionals and education centers interested in learning how to maintain and reinforce healthy choices within a childcare work environment will learn strategies to build...
Use fall leaves in home compost
URBANA, Ill. – As fall approaches, homeowners begin to think of what to do with the falling leaves. Composting is an option which helps the environment, says Duane Friend, University of...
Keep deer away from your plants this fall
Deer can wreak havoc on plants during fall and winter months. University of Illinois Extension offers advice to help homeowners reduce damage from deer.
Exclusion
"Fences offer the best way to control deer damage in certain situations; however, large-scale...
Extension to offer Certified Food Protection Manager course in November
DECATUR, Ill. — This November, University of Illinois Extension in Macon County is offering the state mandated Certified Food Protection Manager course and test. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires all food establishments be supervised by a Certified Food Protection Manager during...
Make hitting the hay a priority during harvest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - For many farmers, fall requires long days in the field and little rest. The pressure to harvest as much as possible combined with fatigue and looming deadlines can result increase the risk of potential hazards.
Safety and health of workers, including making time for...
Students invited to work out with Macon County 4-H
DECATUR, Ill. — Physical activity is an important element for a student’s overall wellbeing. Being physically active is good for mental, social, psychological, and physical health. Students engaged in remote learning this fall are missing this essential educational component. Beginning in...
Webinar examines dollar store impact on rural Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. – Dollar stores in rural areas offer convenience and competitively-priced shopping options for rural residents, but their business models do not always lead to long-term community economic health.
...
Find your spark in 4-H
Join University of Illinois Extension to Find Your Spark this fall. Help youth find their spark and explore the 4-H program through a 6-week series of hands-on activities.
Youth ages 8 to 12, will receive a packet with supplies and instructions for six different activities, designed to...
Celebrate National 4-H Week with Macon County 4-H
DECATUR, Ill. — National 4-H Week is October 4-10, and it is a time for 4-H programs around the nation to celebrate the difference that 4-H has made in so many lives. It is also an opportunity to highlight the outstanding youth and volunteers within our community. Macon County 4-H will observe...
