Dig deeper into local agriculture at one of Illinois Extension’s Agronomy Summits
URBANA, Ill. — With the Midwest harvest season in the books and spring 2025 coming into view, plan to attend one of six University of Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits across the state. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts...
Overwintering potted plants
URBANA, Ill. — Perennial plants being overwintered in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are some steps to try to get these plants through the winter and enjoy them again come spring....
Extension staff recognized at Illinois Extension annual conference
ALBION, Ill. – Illinois Extension, serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties, congratulates two staff members for being recognized at the Illinois Extension annual conference in Champaign. Jane Jones, Wayne and Edwards County SNAP-Ed community worker, was recognized with...
Take advantage of local pesticide applicator/operator testing
ALBION, Ill. – If you hold an Illinois license to apply pesticides, now is the time to check your expiration date. The Illinois Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) collaborates with Extension offices and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) to offer annual pesticide...
Two 4-H clubs receive the 2024 4-H Food Advocacy Grant for community projects
ALBION, Ill. – Local communities will benefit from the dedication of two local 4-H clubs as food costs are rising and food insecurity continues to be a concern. The Blue Ribbon 4-H club in Edwards County and the Wayne County 4-H Ambassadors received two of only 14 Illinois 4-H Food Advocacy...
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners celebrate 50 years of impact, momentum for future
URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
Grow forest management skills in Southern Illinois course for landowners
SIMPSON, Ill. — To understand tree and forest care often requires getting to the root of the matter. The Beginning Forest Landowner Program is returning in 2024-25 to help more Illinois forest owners learn how to manage...
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...
Farmers share how to keep your soil on your fields
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This August, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...
Protect trees and their roots during construction projects
URBANA, Ill. — While essential for development, construction projects often damage trees and their intricate root systems. Even the beautiful trees that are sitting on a site and desired to be kept following construction can become damaged and later experience decline....
Flower business cultivates dreams into blooming reality in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD, Ill. - Combining their shared love for gardening and a desire to turn their hobby into a thriving enterprise, mother-daughter duo April Smith and Alyssa Short have transformed their family land into a vibrant oasis where rows of colorful blooms now flourish. Blessed Blooms brings...
Youth fishing competition delivers fun for young anglers
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Channel Catfish Challenge in June. This event was the culminating event for the spring contest.Youth took pictures of the measurements of their...
