Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands.
Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
Educator Duane Friend honored for 30 years of soil, water conservation
URBANA, Ill. – When Duane Friend shows up to an event towing what looks like an oversized sandbox, he’s hard to miss. Over 30 years, more than 35,000 children have jostled for the best view of “river” water carving through the display as Friend describes...
Return to work may cause separation anxiety in furry friends
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - As people look forward to returning to full-time work schedules or vacations away from home, four-legged friends may not have the same feeling. The return to “normalcy” will be hard for many household pets who may have gotten used to more time with their owners and experience...
Summer blooms simplify warm-season grass identification
URBANA, Ill. – Most people can identify a few different trees by their leaves or flowers in bloom, but grasses are a different story. Grasses provided food and shelter for wildlife and are key to a healthy ecosystem.
Learn to identify the wide variety of Illinois warm-season grasses in a...
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...
Randolph County youth place in 4-H general show
SPARTA, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display the last week of June as Randolph County members shared their annual projects at the general show. Following the 2020 summer of virtual exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows....
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...
Learn about no-till vegetable production at twilight meeting
WATERLOO, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension is excited to be the host for the third of four twilight meetings at the Baebler Education Farms in Waterloo on Monday, July 12, 2021, starting at 6 p.m. University of Illinois Extension Educators...