Fulton County 4-H expands oak tree savannah project with state forestry grant
CANTON, Ill. - Illinois 4-H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been selected to receive an Illinois Forestry Development Grant to expand the 4-H Green Communities Oak Tree Savannah planting project in 2025. As part of the initiative, the Fulton County 4-H...
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
Teens play an important role in success of 4-H Clover Clinic
This past February, 120 youth from Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties gathered for a day of hands-on learning at 4-H Clover Clinic, an event designed to introduce youth to various skills and interests. But behind the scenes, it’s...
Illinois leads most rigorous agricultural greenhouse gas emissions study to date
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers apply nitrogen fertilizers to crops to boost yields, feeding more people and livestock. But when there’s more fertilizer than the crop can take up, some of the excess can be converted into gaseous forms, including nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that traps nearly 300 times...
Rachel Driver moves from volunteer to Extension horticulture coordinator
PEKIN, Ill. - It did not take long for Rachel Driver to become inspired with the work that happens at University of Illinois Extension. In the fall of 2024, she attended the horticulture core education program and a few months...
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023 traffic accident that took the lives of eight...
Immeasurable impact gained through dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
URBANA, Ill. — They are friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are University of Illinois Extension volunteers.These volunteers make a difference in their...
Illinois Farm Cash Rents in 2025
Cash Farm Rents in Illinois held steady to slightly downward in 2025 compared to 2024. At the recent Illinois Land Values Conference, farm managers from across the state released the statistics analyzed by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (...
Tips for farm financial record keeping
Keeping good financial records is vital for the farm's long-term success. Farm records can get neglected by most farmers who prefer to be out on the property instead of in the office. The following tips, if implemented, can make the farm operation more efficient and stronger and prepare the farm...
Sprout gardening skills at regional Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Celebrations
URBANA, Ill. — Seek out pollinators in native gardens, dive into the world of aquaponics, and see how cutting-edge technology is transforming garden design at upcoming statewide Golden Garden Day celebrations of the 50-year legacy of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. This...
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...
A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...
A Look at USDA Prospective Plantings Report – March 31, 2025
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the estimated acres for corn and soybeans to be planted. The report indicates a substantial reduction in intended soybean plantings for 2025 (at a negative 4%), offset by a significant increase in intended acres to be planted in...
4-H Cooking Class held in Fulton County
Youth from Fulton, Mason, and Peoria counties recently gathered at the Illinois Extension office in Lewistown to sharpen their culinary skills to learn essential cooking techniques, explore a brand new 4-H Food Project area, and create delicious food. Long-time 4-H volunteer and...
Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest/Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show were held on Saturday, March 29 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H member Aaliyah Naff presented a formal speech and Aliyah Janssen did an oral interpretation. Both participants received blue ratings and...
Explore the future of STEM at the 2025 4-H STEM Career Exploration Camp
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)? The annual 4-H STEM Career Exploration Camp is back for 2025—now open to all youth entering 6th through 8th grade.Dates: June 16...
Digital Navigator provided professional development for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists
PEORIA, Ill. - Video conferencing may have seen a burst of use during recent years, but its popularity hasn’t waned much. Today, educational, social, and professional opportunities frequently rely on video conferencing software like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meets. Local University of...
Explore invasive plant, animal, insect research updates at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — When it comes to invasive species, what we don’t know, can hurt us. From insects that kill trees to plants that may increase tick populations, invasive species are a serious threat to Illinois natural areas, waterways, and farm fields because once they take hold, removing them is...
Master Naturalists launch new Accessible Nature Exploration program
LEWISTOWN, Ill - After years of leading active nature groups, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists Peggy West and Jen McDaniel suddenly found themselves unable to keep up with fast-paced groups. So they...
