What lurks under the dirt?: Call before you dig
Instead of hitting pay dirt, you will pay if you hit an underground line
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day. The observance reminds anyone considering an outdoor project that breaks ground to get underground utilities...
Storm-damaged trees may not be savable
URBANA, Ill. Severe thunderstorms, tornados, and strong winds sometimes damage trees, flowers, and lawns.
An EF-3 tornado that hit Northern Illinois in June destroyed several 100-year-old trees. Homeowners in Woodridge and Naperville struggled to find the best ways to clean up and...
2021 Summer Twilight Series - Bauman Family Farm
University of Illinois Extension is excited to team up with Grant and Casey Bauman to host the fourth and final twilight meeting at Bauman Family Farms in Vienna, on Monday, August 16, 2021, starting at 6 p.m. University of Illinois Extension Educators Bronwyn Aly, Katie Bell, and Nathan...
Livestock judging teaches decision-making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members were back in the showring for the 2021 State Livestock Judging Contest. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating...
Ewing Demonstration Center to host Agronomy Field Day on July 22
EWING, Ill. – After a year’s hiatus from in-person programming, the Ewing Demonstration Center is excited to host their annual Agronomy Field Day on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon with a lunch to follow. The event will feature various educators and campus faculty as they...
Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids.
Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...
Youth public speaking contest builds self-esteem, leadership skills that last a lifetime
URBANA, Ill. – More than 75% of adults rank public speaking as their number one fear, but not 4-H members. 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Over 100 youth recently came together to put their public speaking...
Keep pesticides from drifting into unwanted spaces
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture receives about 120 pesticide complaints each year; 60% of the complaints stem from a pesticide that moves from its intended target to surrounding land or water.
Off-target pesticide movement occurs when a pesticide...
Blistering heat, high humidity puts us at risk
URBANA, Ill. – June has been hot and muggy. Regardless what the thermometer reads, it just feels hotter.
Feels-like temperatures are calculated using the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and an understanding of how the human body responds to heat and cold. ...
Teens find their voices in youth leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Five Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.
The team is comprised of 20 4-...
