Extension to Host Beekeeping Workshops
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.- Local residents can learn to “bee prepared” during a free, two-part series to discover the world of bees and beekeeping! Whether you own bees as a hobby or as a source of extra income, the most important part of beekeeping is keeping your bees happy and healthy! Led by...

Overwintering tropical plants
URBANA, Ill. – Tropical plants have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as an easy way to add an attractive look to back patios, decks, and containers. Plants such as mandevilla, alocasia (elephant ear), and hibiscus are sold at garden centers in containers and, while they offer great...

Aim High with Youth Shooting Sports
MARION, Ill.- Williamson County youth interested in learning more about shooting sports will have the opportunity to participate in the 2020 spring program. Through the program, youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, principles of hunting, archery and much more....

Students Learn the Value of Shopping Local
SESSER, Ill.- Every time you grab lunch at a local café, buy a new dress from a neighborhood boutique or shop at that vintage record store around the corner, you are making a direct impact on the local community. While shoppers may be scouring ads and flyers to determine their strategy for Black...

Winter Invasive Species Identification Workshop
MAKANDA, Ill.— Extension will host a free program on the winter identification of invasive species on Dec. 14. Even during the dormant winter season, invasive plants species are major threats to the forests and grasslands of southern Illinois. They can outcompete native species, decrease...

These members are experiencing all 4-H offers
Illinois 4-H challenges youth to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country. The 4-H Experience Award recognizes youth who excel in that challenge. “We celebrate youth whose 4-H experiences have expanded outside...

Harvesting Native and Indigenous Perennial Seeds
CARTERVILLE, Ill.— Native species are a great addition to butterfly gardens, rain gardens and backyards. These plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. One way to acquire native plants is to collect your own seeds. This can come from plants you...

Jackson County Youth Honored at 4-H Achievement Night
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year. Officer Awards ...

Extension Accepting Applications for Master Gardener Training
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— University of Illinois Extension will be hosting training this spring at John A. Logan College for the next cohort of master gardeners. The mission of the University of Illinois Extension master gardener program is "helping others learn to grow." Master gardeners...

Shooting Sports On Target, On the Range and in Life
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— Local 4-H youth were recently recognized at the State 4-H Shooting Sports Competition. The Franklin County team took home the top spot at the State 4-H Shotgun Shoot. Members include Camden Kirkpatrick, Zachary Skurat, Derek Sample, and Kolton Inglett. In addition,...

Randolph County Youth Honored at 4-H Achievement Night
SPARTA, Ill.— Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year. The evening kicked off by recognizing 4-H...

Franklin County Youth Honored at 4-H Achievement Night
BENTON, Ill.— Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year. The evening kicked off by recognizing leaders...

Illinois Master Naturalist Training to be Held at Giant City
MAKANDA, Ill.— University of Illinois Extension will be hosting training this spring at Giant City State Park for the next cohort of Master Naturalists. Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Would you like to provide education and service to help your local community? If so, the Illinois...

University of Illinois requests data from farmers to better understand unique growing year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Researchers and Extension Specialists from University of Illinois College of Agricultural,...

Extension to Host Seed Collecting Workshop
CARTERVILLE, Ill.— University of Illinois Extension will be hosting a seed collection workshop on Nov. 7 at John A. Logan College. The workshop will cover a variety of topics including an overview of seed collecting practices, when and where to collect as well other tips and tricks for...

Perry County Youth Honored at 4-H Achievement Night
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill.— Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year. The evening kicked off by recognizing 4...

Counting for Dollars: Census 2020
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— University of Illinois Extension will host a free webinar to educate the public on how to ensure an accurate count for the upcoming decennial census, an issue on which billions of dollars of federal funding for everyday government expenditures is hinged. The U.S....

Establishing Perennials in the Early Fall
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— By the end of the summer season, most gardeners are ready to put up their feet and enjoy a bonfire, but it’s a great opportunity to take stock of what worked in the garden the past year, what needs changing, and what can be added. Springtime is crunch time with so many...

Community Garden Raises Spirits at Good Samaritan House
CARBONDALE, Ill.— What once sat as an empty, vacant plot of land behind the Good Samaritan House in Carbondale is now filled with fresh vegetables in a newly built community garden. Terry Foster, a local resident and University of Illinois Extension master gardener and master...

Extension to Host Sheep and Goat Parasite Management Workshop
CAMPBELL HILL, Ill.— Extension will be hosting a free workshop on sheep and goat parasite management on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Campbell Hill Community Center. One of the greatest challenges for sheep and goat producers is preventing and controlling internal parasites in their animals....