ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of...
Randolph County 4-H youth honored during achievement night
SPARTA, Ill. – Through 4-H, youth learn leadership skills and can explore their interests through projects during the 4-H year. Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. An event highlighted some of the youth in our...
Extension offers free bird count workshops in November
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. –Do you want to understand how to participate in your local Christmas Bird Count (CBC)? Learn the ABCs of a CBC during one of the free workshops offered during the month of November.
The CBC is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, which has been...
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. 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...
ACES Expert: Nature exposure can ease ADHD symptoms
URBANA, Ill. — As organizations bring attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in October for ADHD awareness month, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert says time in nature can ease symptoms of the common...
Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
CHICAGO, Ill. — Jack-o’-lanterns live a short, scary life. That is unless they are catapulted, hurled, or whacked into a compost pile after spooky season is over.
Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins after the holiday at one of more than a dozen University of Illinois...
Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...
New committee to drive inclusivity and equity initiatives in Illinois 4-H
Champaign, IL – Illinois 4-H is marking the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Committee. This newly formed committee will advise and collaborate in the implementation of DEIA priorities recently identified through a strategic planning...
Learn essential tips for a better aging life experience
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face many changes and challenges, from losing loved ones to declining health and independence. That's why it's essential to give them the meaning they need to live this stage of life with dignity. University of Illinois...
Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...
Competition builds camaraderie, sense of friendly competition
BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The best teenage 4-H shotgun shooters from Illinois gathered to shoot a full 100 rounds of trap shooting at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 23. A crowd of nearly 250 gathered for this event.
Seventy shooters were on hand for this year’s competition....
Youth put archery skill mastery to the test
PEKIN, Ill. — Illinois youth gathered at a statewide competition on Sept. 16 to put their skill mastery in archery to the test. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun.
“I know at first it appears odd to have...
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.
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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...
