Free workshop teaches about monarch butterflies and how to support them
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Monarch butterflies are a remarkable species. Each year, they migrate to places as far as the mountains of Central Mexico to the California coast. Yet, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North America’s monarch population has steadily declined over the past two decades. One...
Family cooking class encourages memory making and learning life-long skills
MT. ZION, Ill. — Cooking with children can be a little messy, but the experiences are worth it. When caregivers cook with children, math and reading skills strengthen, life skills are learned, and great memories are made. University of Illinois Extension in Macon County is partnering with the ...
Overwhelmed by garden produce? Pickle it!
URBANA, Ill. – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty.
While cucumbers...
4-H Archery helps youth focus and hit their mark while building life skills
FARMER CITY, Ill. – Archery is for everyone. Regardless of physical ability, youth can participate in this sport. It is one of the oldest sports still practiced and continues to be inclusive.
“4-H shooting sports programs help youth get outdoors, explore new interests and build life...
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs
URBANA, Ill. – Pesticides assist in managing pests. People should use precise application techniques detailed on the label so they don’t endanger people, pets, livestock, plants, and the environment.
Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields...
Learn the basics of home preserving and enjoy garden harvests all year long
DECATUR, Ill. — The garden is planted, and the hope for a bountiful harvest is strong. Green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and let’s not forget the many fruits that are all wonderful summer treats. But why should they only be summer treats? Join University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt,...
Microclovers making a comeback as lawns grow in biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. – Clovers are making a comeback in lawn seed mixes. Today many families want to attract more pollinators to their yards. They are searching for ecologically sound ways to grow grass, including adding white clover back to the turf seed mix. Clover adds diversity to lawns and provides...
To outsmart weeds in the garden, take multiple approaches
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners know, weeds will grow nearly anywhere. Even cracks in the pavement can sustain plant life if there is soil, water, and light. Whether a plant is considered a weed depends on how it is affecting the intended use of the site and who is looking at it.
“...
Funds available to districts to replace school buses
URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar to help...
Support pollinators with cheerful viola flowers
URBANA, Ill. – Roses are red, violets are blue and they have also earned top honors being named Plant of the Year by the International Herb Association. Every year, the association selects plants that are considered...
Dedicated volunteers inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
DECATUR, Ill. — Volunteers are the lifeblood of the 4-H program. Without their dedication, the many programs that Illinois 4-H offers would simply not reach as many youths. Two outstanding volunteers from DeWitt and Piatt counties were recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and inducted into...
Say goodbye to your tomato troubles with free master gardener event
MONTICELLO, Ill. – You have planted tomatoes and they are ready to pick. As you reach in to grab the beautiful ripe fruit you notice a strange looking green worm with black dots. Unfortunately, it appears you have a case of tomato hornworms. Those are just one of the troubles you may encounter...
Area youths awarded scholarships from Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation
DECATUR, Ill. — The end of the school year brings graduations, honors nights, and scholarship announcements. Several Macon County 4-H members have been selected to receive scholarships from the Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation. These...
Have fresh herbs at your fingertips with herb container workshop
DECATUR, Ill. – Nothing satisfies more than light, fresh meals when the temperature and humidity are high. Drinks and meals are quickly elevated with fresh herbs. Sprinkle cilantro on eggs, infuse water with rosemary or mint, or throw together a quick caprese salad with basil, cherry tomatoes,...
Youth meet and learn about miniature donkeys at fun 4-H event
MONTICELLO, Ill. – Miniature donkeys are smart and can be trained to do tricks and maneuver through obstacle courses. Did you also know that they are very social and bond with other horses and livestock? These small creatures with big personalities are farmyard ambassadors, and Piatt County 4-H...
4-H food science fun coming to a library near you
DECATUR, Ill. – Adults are always on the lookout for fun summer activities for the children in their lives. Events that are educational, fun, and free aren’t always easy to find. Well, we have one! University of Illinois Extension has partnered with area libraries to bring you a two-part food...
Visit the Master Gardener Help Desk to have all your garden questions answered
CLINTON, Ill. – We have a question, and our first reaction is to do a quick online search. The problem is that there is so much conflicting information. Which solution is correct? What source should we trust? University of Illinois Extension is here to alleviate uncertainty by providing research...
Study: Proposed nitrogen fertilizer policies could protect farmer profits, environment
URBANA, Ill. – Nitrogen fertilizer has major implications for crop yields and environmental health, specifically water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. Federal and state governments have shied away from regulating nitrogen fertilizer use, but voluntary and incentives-based programs have not been...
