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...
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....
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....
Add interest by creating a moonlight garden
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners who look forward to enjoying their landscapes during warm summer nights should consider creating a moonlight garden that extends the experience late into the evening.
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FOIA policy review protects public interest, supports local compliance
The Freedom of Information Act serves a vital role in American democracy. To keep government transparent, FOIA requires government agencies to disclose information and records as requested by the public, unless the request falls under certain exclusions.
Public agencies failing to comply...
Garden smarter, not harder: Free online Four Seasons Gardening series open
URBANA, Ill. – The growing season is in full swing and University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening summer series starting in June is here to help home gardeners be successful.
Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois...
Children will explore energy at 4-H C.L.U.E. Camp
PEKIN, Ill. - This summer, children will have the opportunity to explore energy through hands-on activities during a new, virtual 4-H camp. C.L.U.E. (Children Looking Undercover for Energy) Camp will take place on June 10, 17 and 24. Participants will meet via Zoom from 10-11 a.m. to learn about...
Midwestern farmers, ranchers can find tools to thrive with new resource center
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life can be stressful. Most pressures, such as weather, illness, injuries, loans, and regulations, are constant and uncontrollable. Now, Midwestern farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have direct access to a new tool to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, or...
Heirloom flowers provide fragrance, beauty, pollinator support
URBANA, Ill. Spring brings thoughts of beautiful, colorful, fragrant blooms that brighten landscapes after a long winter.
But while many anticipate the arrival of the first flowers, pollinators, too, are on the lookout. Heirloom flowers provide them...
Opportunity Zones bring tax breaks to investors, develop underserved communities
URBANA, Ill. – Economically-distressed census tracts, designated as Opportunity Zones under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provide an incentivized avenue for taxpayers to contribute to long-term economic growth in underserved areas.
The state of Illinois designated 327 tracts, the...
