DuQuoin residents honored with state Master Gardener Awards
DUQUOIN, Ill. – Two DuQuoin residents were recently honored with state awards at the 2023 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference. Pam Swallers received the State Outstanding Master Gardener Award and Mary Jo Novak received the State Master Gardener Sustained Excellence Award.
...
Report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Experts confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on September 18 according to a...
Learn to preserve flowers from home gardens and special occasions
A great way to enjoy flowers with family and friends is to harvest and preserve them. The popularity of dried and pressed flowers has turned an old hobby into a renewed interior design and art trend. Use everlasting flowers to create everlasting memories. If you are interested in learning...
Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
URBANA, Ill. — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers...
Illinois 4-H seeks talented leaders for new Illinois 4-H Alumni Advisory Committee
URBANA, Ill. — National 4-H Week 2023 begins Oct. 1 and celebrates the nation's largest youth development organization. 4-H began in 1915 in Illinois with the first 4-H club, the Union Pig Club, in Macoupin County. Today the organization celebrates 108 years of 4-H youth development programming...
What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...
Explore mysterious creatures of Illinois with fall Everyday Environment series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois’ landscapes are home to various creatures, including native and invasive species. From mussels to lamprey eels in Lake Michigan to in the trees with bats and owls, join University of Illinois Extension to explore nature...
Students learn about agriculture career paths during field day
EWING, Ill. – While the industry may be saturated with job opportunities, many teens and young adults simply don’t know which path to take. Illinois Extension connects students directly with higher education and career opportunities each year through the Agricultural Careers and Technology...
Take steps to build a strong foundation for diabetes care
URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers...
Tips for extending the garden’s growing season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season in a vegetable garden doesn’t have to end so soon. Stretch growth with techniques that extend the typical growing season past the point where crops would normally be grown outdoors.
Protection from frosts can happen at either end of the growing season. A...
Tree identification workshop highlights importance of Illinois' native oaks
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to 21 different native oak species whose populations provide habitat and food for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to improved air and water quality, and provide residential shade benefits that help to reduce energy use.
Gain a better...
Youth-led initiative creates local action, statewide change
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair Aug. 11-13.
“In Illinois, over a million people face hunger,...
Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing.
Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...
Illinois youth agronomy teams head to regionals with more than crop scouting knowledge
URBANA, Ill. — Providing youth an opportunity to experience what a career in agriculture would be like during high school can be vital in life decisions and the future of the ag industry. Youth participating in the Crop Scouting Competition held in August at University of Illinois ...
Community partners address food access to build a better future for the region
MARION, Ill. – Food pantries, schools, healthcare providers, farmers, businesses, and religious and community organizations came together to address food access during the 2023 Food Security Summit. The third-annual event allowed agencies to collaborate, learn, and prioritize healthy food access...
Focus on safety to prevent accidents during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season is beginning across the state, and for farmers, this means early mornings, long days, and the potential for exhaustion that can lead to accidents.
University of Illinois Extension Specialist and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Assistant...
Brain health is a no brainer with three-part series for seniors
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. –Aging, memory, and lifestyle factors all contribute to the health of our brains. Join Illinois Extension for a free three-part brain health series during the month of October.
Throughout the series, participants will learn about the aging brain and what you can do to...
Extension grows agriculture connections at Farm Progress Show
DECATUR, Ill. — Agriculture is not just a job; it’s a way of life for so many, and it’s part of University of Illinois Extension’s mission to help.
The 2023 Farm Progress Show, hosted Aug. 28-30 in Decatur, Ill., attracted...
Address health challenges with holistic solutions
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois, along with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, and in collaboration with Illinois Extension, has developed...
