4-H teaches budding scientists about cover crops
PEKIN, Ill. - Young people can have fun while being a part of cutting-edge research in the new Cover Crops Scientist 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) Club. For over 100 years, 4-H has involved youth in the newest research and best-practices in science and agriculture – and this legacy continues today...
Educators learn about mentoring in the classroom at Teacher Tuesdays
PEKIN, Ill - In March, a virtual Teacher Tuesdays session will offer information about the Mentor Matching Engine. Developed by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC), the Mentor Matching Engine (MME) is an online collaboration tool that connects Illinois high school...
Gardening enthusiasts invited to attend Gardeners’ BIG Day
PEKIN, Ill. - Despite what the groundhog “said” spring is coming quickly. Gardeners are ordering seeds and planning their gardens and landscape projects. Another sign spring is almost here is the annual Gardeners’ BIG Day presented by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.
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Test private wells to ensure safe drinking water
URBANA, Ill. – A properly constructed and maintained water well can provide many years of trouble-free service, but over time, wells can deteriorate or become damaged, allowing surface contaminants to enter the water in the well. In addition, groundwater can become contaminated.
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Trim trees, shrubs in the dormant season for stronger, healthier plants
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout the growing season, gardeners and arborists talk about the benefits of pruning woody ornamentals while they are dormant, and that time is almost here.
“Pruning can seem like a daunting task, but it is an important cultural practice for the health and vigor...
Garden catalog season gives gardeners chance to explore, shop for next year's seeds
URBANA, Ill. – January begins the annual flight of vegetable, flower, and fruit tree catalogs to your mailbox or inbox. Depending on your level of gardening, the catalogs are starting to arrive frequently and en mass.
“It used to be you would get either a vegetable catalog or a fruit...
Illinois Extension celebrates outstanding programs, staff
URBANA, Ill. – Across the state, local University of Illinois Extension staff members help families, businesses, and communities identify local issues and potential solutions to those issues. Extension professionals use research-based knowledge and translate that knowledge into actions and...
Fulton County 4-H Beef Weigh-In and Tattooing
Those who want their steers to be eligible for the Fulton County Rate‑of‑Gain Contest, the Illinois State Fair Junior Show, or the Illinois State Fair Premiere Contest, must bring their steer(s) to be weighed and tattooed at the date scheduled by University of Illinois Extension in Fulton County...
Teacher Tuesdays offers workshop on integrating STEM and social-emotional learning for educators
Good educators are some of the most valuable assets in our community. For over five years, University of Illinois Extension has worked with local partners to offer Teacher Tuesdays. This program has provided professional development, encouragement, and connection to educators throughout the...
Improve your forest one tree at a time
URBANA, Ill. – Buying and maintaining forested land can be daunting if landowners don’t know how to manage it. Fortunately, a new University of Illinois outreach program is here to help.
“We’re giving landowners tools to understand the science behind forest management. So, if they do...
Plant cover crops at home for healthier soils
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants. Using cover crops in the home garden is one way to promote soil health.
Cover crops are non-harvested crops that add organic matter to the soil, transfer nitrogen to plants, and break up heavy clay or compacted soil. They...
What will federal policy changes mean for local governments?
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois county governments are responsible for the administration of public policies and funds that impact their communities’ infrastructure, disaster relief measures, environmental health, transportation access, social services, child welfare, workforce and economic development...
Give houseplants new life with DIY kokedama moss balls
URBANA, Ill. – Free your houseplants’ roots this winter by creating organic art for your home through kokedama, a form of Japanese bonsai, where plants are grown in a special soil mix and wrapped in moss. Kokedama is a uniquely beautiful way to grow houseplants in a non-traditional way.
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Give Christmas trees a second life after the holidays
URBANA, Ill. – Once holidays are over, the Christmas trees tend to come down. Instead of hauling this year’s tree to the dump or having the city pick it up, consider repurposing it in your landscape.
University of Illinois...
Poinsettias add a rainbow of color options to holiday décor
URBANA, Ill. – With their bright red blooms, Poinsettia’s are a holiday tradition, but buyers don’t have to limit their selection to one color. This winter, celebrate and decorate with a rainbow of Poinsettias.
University of...