Are murder hornets here in Illinois; not likely
URBANA, Ill. - There has been a recent surge of interest in an invasive insect pest, the Asian Giant Hornet (AGH), or Vespa mandarinia. AGHs are the largest hornets in the world and are identifiable by their size and distinct bright yellow or orange heads. While well known for their large...
Save the Taste of Summer with At-Home Food Preservation
DECATUR, Ill. — Get ready for summer produce by learning how to preserve food safely with University of Illinois Extension. Nutrition & Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf will teach the basics of home food preservation and provide the latest safety guidelines.
Kick off the canning...
Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...
Master Gardener program offers online training
URBANA, Ill. — For nearly five decades, Illinois Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.
From...
Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.
The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...
What's Next: legal challenges related to COVID-19 for local governments
Local officials and agency staff in Illinois need to stay current with potential legal challenges related to COVID-19. To help navigate this ever-changing landscape, University of Illinois Extension, partnering with the Illinois Association of County Board Members...
Document family history with free writing workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Family stories are gifts from one generation to the next. Keep those stories alive with a little help from the Life’s Moments - From Memory to Legacy writing workshop launching May 5.
In this fun and interactive virtual series, the University of Illinois Extension...
Keep your garden producing all season
HILLSBORO, Ill. - Learn to keep your garden healthy and productive throughout the growing season. Four free online webinars will give practical tips about gardening, including tips on landscape safety, mulching, container gardens, and beneficial garden bugs.
The hour-long Good...
Don’t let social distancing stop you from seeking shelter
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With recent severe storms ripping across several southern states, those needing to take refuge in a public storm shelter face a unique dilemma. Which is more important, social distancing or seeking refuge from a tornado?
As bizarre as that question might sound,...
4-H Virtual Get Your Mind "Write"
DECATUR, Ill.— We all keep hearing how important it is to stay healthy and keep our bodies active during this time of uncertainty. But what about our minds? Many turn to creative outlets to cope with difficult situations, stress, and anxiety so Macon County 4-H is offering Get Your Mind "Write...
Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows
URBANA, Ill. – As public health and government officials consider the next phase of managing the Coronavirus pandemic in Illinois, organizers of traditional summer events and activities are considering options. University of Illinois Extension, the...
Creative cooking with fewer ingredients
Making fewer trips to the grocery store does not have to mean boring meals or the same meal every night. Cooking with five ingredients or less is a money saver, takes less time to prepare the meal, and uses less equipment resulting in fewer dishes. “Cooking with fewer ingredients can be...
Webinar offers best practices for disabilities in workforce development
URBANA, Ill. - Workforce development programs are now more equally accessible to persons with varying abilities, with the goal of helping every person prepare for, find, and maintain quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. ...
Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...
'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs....