Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids.
Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...
Green infrastructure solutions aim to protect water supply
URBANA, Ill. – A highway of subterranean pipes channel fresh water to and sewage away from Illinois’ homes, businesses, schools and parks. Pipes also carry runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt. This runoff includes pollutants swept away from parking lots, construction sites, and streets,...
Repair, renovate, restore: How communities support growth with TIF funding
URBANA, Ill. – Tax Increment Funding (TIF) provides a way for municipalities to spur economic growth and make infrastructure improvements in qualifying economically stagnant or physically declining areas, designated as TIF districts.
TIF districts reallocate property tax funds while...
Fulton County 4-H shows are scheduled
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Through University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H members work on projects throughout the year, and exhibit their projects during the summer. Judges evaluate the 4-H members' projects in a conference judging system, where the judge discusses the project with the...
4-H pet care projects teach responsibility to youth
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Pets bring a lot of joy to the homes where they live. When young family members help take care of pets, they learn valuable responsibility skills. 4-H provides tools and learning opportunities for youth to develop those skills.
4-H pet care projects include Cat, Dog,...
Small bug, big risk: Protect yourself from ticks this summer
URBANA, Ill. — When venturing in the woods this summer, don’t forget to protect yourself from a small, but dangerous creature likely lurking in trees, grass, and bushes.
Ticks are easy to pick up when visiting grassy areas, woods, prairies, wetlands, deer trails, and brushy areas. These...
Blistering heat, high humidity puts us at risk
URBANA, Ill. – June has been hot and muggy. Regardless what the thermometer reads, it just feels hotter.
Feels-like temperatures are calculated using the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and an understanding of how the human body responds to heat and cold. ...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.
Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Fulton County 4-H members participate in livestock judging
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Nine Fulton County 4-H members participated in the 4-H Livestock Judging Contest held in April at the 4-H Center in Macomb. Participants were divided by age into junior and senior divisions. Fulton County 4-H participants were Braydon DeCounter, in the senior division; and in...
Fulton 4-H members participate in public speaking
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held May 15 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. 4-H member Elizabeth Reed presented a formal speech about the arts in education, and 4-H member Aliyah Janssen presented a humorous oral interpretation...
Area graduates receive Fulton County 4-H scholarships
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - 4-H is the youth education program of University of Illinois Extension. Through 4-H there are several local scholarships available.
These scholarships go to current Fulton County 4-H members who actively participate in 4-H events, and who have shown great...
Eat more fruits and vegetables with the help of your local farmers market
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – For Illinois residents who fall within the one in 10 American adults who don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, farmers markets offer the chance for consumers to up their fruit and vegetable intake while supporting local farmers.
The variety of...
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe.
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