Keep growing with herbs indoors this fall, winter
URBANA, Ill. — Just because days are shorter and colder and the outdoor gardening days are over, that doesn't mean growing must come to an end. Indoor green houseplants are an option, so add some herbs to the mix this fall and winter.
Whether growing indoors or outdoors, plants still...
Sharpening knowledge of tree care leads to healthier, better-looking trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life.
“Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,”...
Extension Master Naturalists give nature a hand with bluebird monitoring
Author: Carla Rich Montez, Illinois Extension Master Naturalist
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - It’s not easy to be a bluebird family. Aggressive birds discourage nesting; predators steal eggs and chicks; competing cavity nesters claim the boxes; insects attack featherless...
Jr. Master Naturalist 4-H club offers fun, education, and adventure
CANTON, Ill. - For the past twelve years, adults in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties have been engaged in local natural resource education and volunteer efforts in the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist...
4-H generosity brings life-saving equipment and first aid to county fairgrounds and 4-H events
HAVANA, Ill. - During the 2022 Mason County Fair, there was a health emergency that inspired 4-H members and volunteers into action. Thanks to the efforts led by Mason County Pleasant Workers 4-H Club and Kountry Kritters
4-H Club there are now two automated external defibrillators (AED) and...
Local 4-H members excel at State Shooting Sports competition
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - For many people, when the discussion of sports comes up in the fall the conversation tends to lean towards football and cross country. But for some local 4-H members the sports focus is on preparing for the Illinois 4-H State Shooting Sports competitions. Fulton and Mason 4-H...
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,...
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...
Havana benefits from Illinois Rural Tourism research
HAVANA, Ill. - Many small rural towns in Illinois are experiencing an economic downturn due to reasons beyond their control. One town, Havana, Illinois, is taking the bull by the horns to turn their community around economically. The local chamber of...
Livestock focused 4-H clubs offer youth unique learning opportunities
PEORIA, Ill. - Just because youth are growing up in the city doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in learning about or working with livestock. Peoria County 4-H volunteers have created several unique 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) clubs that invite youth out to the farm to experience first hand the...
Extraordinary former Fulton County 4-H staff inducted into Hall of Fame
Lewistown, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Janis Blout, after a 40-year career with University of Illinois Extension (retired) in Fulton County, was recently...
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...
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...
Tips for extending the garden’s growing season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season in a vegetable garden doesn’t have to end so soon. Stretch growth with techniques that extend the typical growing season past the point where crops would normally be grown outdoors.
Protection from frosts can happen at either end of the growing season. A...
Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing.
Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...
Focus on safety to prevent accidents during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season is beginning across the state, and for farmers, this means early mornings, long days, and the potential for exhaustion that can lead to accidents.
University of Illinois Extension Specialist and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Assistant...
