To survive the summer heat, choose plants built for the sizzle
URBANA, Ill. — Summer can be a scorcher, but by selecting the right plants, a landscape can still look sultry all summer long.Both trialed and native plants can tolerate the heat. Trial plants are evaluated throughout the season for heat tolerance and can be planted in the ground or...
Fulton 4-H Show season kicks off with pet show
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Pet Show was held on June 19, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. Twelve 4-H members exhibited thirteen pets. Janis Blout served as the judge for Cats, and Debbie Beoletto judged Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Small Pets.Best of...
Important safety lessons learned at Farm Safety Day
LEWISTOWN, Ill -University of Illinois Extension and Farm Bureau in Fulton and Mason Counties sponsored their annual Farm Safety Day on Tuesday, June 11, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. This yearly event was made possible with the support of several area businesses and...
Take care of your trees with summer Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has 4.8 million acres of tree-covered land. From shading homes and feeding wildlife to producing oxygen and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry...
Emerald ash borer continues spread through Illinois; Extension can help manage
URBANA, Ill. — While much of Illinois has been focused on the emergence of periodical cicadas in the summer of 2024, another insect is buzzing about that is more than a nuisance; it’s a threat to ash trees everywhere. In June, the...
Expert guides lead educational hikes for local Extension volunteers
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Education isn’t just in a text book, in a classroom, or on a Zoom call. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners enjoy taking educational hikes and learning about the history of the natural areas around them. The educational hikes with local...
Provide resources to pollinators in any space with container gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for...
Abbie Phillips hired as new Tazewell 4-H coordinator
PEKIN, Ill. - There aren’t many careers that allow for people to use their swine showing skills, equestrian experience, and enjoyment of crocheting and growing houseplants all in the same role. Thankfully, Abbie Philips has found the perfect career for her with the Tazewell 4-H program. ...
Gardening for a hummingbird's travels
URBANA, Ill. — Hummingbirds are unlike any other bird. Spanning the Americas with over 330 species, hummingbirds belong to Trochilidae, the second-largest bird family in the world. However, only the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) inhabits the Midwest....
Food Pantry Network – HOI launches BEAT THE HEAT campaign
PEORIA, Ill. - Help Central Illinois BEAT THE HEAT this summer with Food Pantry Network – Heart of Illinois (HOI)’s BEAT THE HEAT campaign! The goal of BEAT THE HEAT is to collect donations of needed summer...
Fulton County 4-H teen attends national 4-H summit
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Maddy Lettow, a seasoned eight-year member of the Fulton County Logan Leaders 4-H Club, was selected to attend the Ignite by 4-H Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit brought together 1,300 young...
New webinar series launched for small business owners
Small businesses form the backbone of Illinois’ economy, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. With this in mind, a team from University of Illinois Extension, together with the Illinois...
Fulton County 4-H announces 2024 4-H Shows
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Ask a 4-H member their favorite part of being in 4-H and more than likely they will tell you something about the “fair.” Their favorite memories may be about working in the food stand, earning a Best of Show or State Fair ribbon, hanging out with their 4-H friends while they...
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies.
“When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a...
Spend summer days growing, supporting gardens with webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Get ready to spend summer days outdoors gardening, exploring, and enjoying the growing season by adding in Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning June 11. University of...
Report Asian longhorned ticks to help track invasive pest that threatens livestock
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive Asian longhorned tick, which can pose a health risk for humans, animals, and livestock, has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents of west central Illinois are advised to watch out for and report sightings of this new pest. The Asian...
Farmers share real-life experiences of using edge-of-field conservation practices
GALESBURG, Ill. — When it comes to farming, experience is often the best teacher. This June, producers can get answers to their questions about installing edge-of-field conservation practices by connecting with farmers who have first-hand knowledge at the Cultivating Conversations: How and Why...
Fulton 4-H hosts dog obedience school for youth and adults
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension in Fulton County and Dog Training by Danette will offer a Dog Obedience School for both youth and adult owners and their dogs. The sessions will begin on June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. The four...
Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in...
