The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Fulton County 4-H to host Achievement Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event
Fulton County 4-H will host its annual Achievement Awards program along with a Volunteer Recognition Event at the Donaldson Center located at 250 S. Ave D in Canton, on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. All 4-H members and their families are welcome and encouraged to attend. All 4-H volunteers will...
Extension demonstrates usefulness of drones in farm operations
PEKIN, Ill. - Drone technology is increasing in its applicability in improving farm operations. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit Farm Management Educator Kevin Brooks uses drones to assist...
Invasive plants are no match for local Extension Master Naturalists
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — When certain plants get established in an ecosystem, they can choke out the more beneficial native plants. Left unchecked, those invasive species can destroy the native ecosystem and natural beauty. Local volunteers have a passion for eradicating invasive plants, and thanks to...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. – For those who live in a small town the benefits of small town living seem obvious. However it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
Grow forest management skills in Southern Illinois course for landowners
SIMPSON, Ill. — To understand tree and forest care often requires getting to the root of the matter. The Beginning Forest Landowner Program is returning in 2024-25 to help more Illinois forest owners learn how to manage...
Extraordinary Fulton County volunteer honored
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. Wendy Johnson, a nine-year volunteer in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless...
