Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by...
Repurposed feed and seed bags have become support for pollinator project
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Creativity and passion for the environment have spurred on a group of volunteers who are using polypropylene feed and seed bags to help the Elkhart Pollinator Habitat. University of Illinois Extension Master...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Teens invited to explore healthcare careers at one-day summer event
Healthcare Career Exploration Summer Academy bring hands-on learning to youth
Over the next decade, healthcare careers are expected to grow 13% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will...
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and...
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat.
Discover how to can with confidence and...
Farm Estate Planning Series: Choosing a Trustee
Choosing a Trustee/Executor for Your Farm Estate Plan
Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. Consult your legal advisor for actual legal advice.
As you work through the estate...
STEM Academy is exploring Artificial Intelligence using voice assistance this year
We are excited to be offering STEM Academy again this year, through the collaboration of Pearl Technology, Richwoods Township, Caterpillar, and University of Illinois Extension. The theme is AI Learning: Build Your Own Voice Assistant.
Are you looking...
2022 corn and soybean yields by Illinois county
USDA has released estimated Corn Yields by county average for 2022. Stark County led with the highest average yield per acre(ac) at 240.6 bushels (bu) per acre. Tazewell County came in 9th in the state at 229.9 bushels per acre.
Local County Corn Yields:
...
Foundation honors 4-H youth at scholarship awards ceremony
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The Illinois 4-H Foundation awarded $...
Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, communities
URBANA, Ill. – The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation.
There is...
Fulton 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Contest were held on Saturday, April 1 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H member Addison Fidler presented an original works speech on Fake Meat; Dalton Leezer presented a formal speech on Diabetes; and 4-H...
Clean for a Cause campaign launched by Food Pantry Network-HOI
PEKIN, Ill. - Spring into giving this year with Food Pantry Network - Heart of Illinois (HOI) by participating in the Clean for a Cause campaign!
The Spring season offers a chance for everyone to clean their slates and...
Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivers results
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Communication. Confidence. Character. These are some of the skills and traits that Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Coach Robyn Hendel has been fostering in her team members since 2014.
The Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team is a 4-H Special Interest (SPIN)...
Rebecca Crumrine promoted to Extension educator
PEKIN, Ill - It is hard to comprehend how many people’s lives have been positively impacted by Rebecca Crumrine since 2017 when she was hired by University of Illinois Extension as an instructor to teach Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education). In five short years...
Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.
Learn...
Make the most of mulch by choosing from living, synthetic, inorganic, or organic
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, gardeners turn to mulches for their landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits of mulch is reduced soil erosion and compaction. Mulch also moderates soil temperature keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another...
