Grow curly willows for an artistic twist in the landscape, winter flower arrangements
URBANA, Ill. – Willow trees are most well known for their long, draping branches that give them a refined and graceful appearance. That is unless it is a corkscrew willow.
The unique branching and twisting features of the Salix genus curly willow not only adds visual interest...
Youth in public speaking contest learn skills that last a lifetime
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held...
Prevent the spread of invasive species in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know what an invasive species is, but you've likely heard about them and the price tags they can carry. The estimated cost of managing the damages caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or Asian carp is $120 billion annually in the U.S.
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Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats
URBANA, Ill. – Imagine if you had to catch every bite of your dinner with your mouth, while flying, in the dark. You’d be exhausted, and probably pretty hungry. Though some bats go for sedentary insects, most catch their food on the wing every single night. Let that sink in.
Because they...
Creative classes help make holidays healthy
HAVANA, Ill. - Food is a big part of our lives. It can be part of who we are, where we came from, and how we express ourselves. This is especially true when it comes to food and the holidays. In an effort to encourage and educate people how to keep their health a priority during the holidays,...
Scale up your garden’s health with fish emulsion fertilizer
URBANA, Ill. – Over the years, there has been a growing demand for organic-based fertilizers to use in the garden and landscaping. There are of course ways to manufacture these organic fertilizers, but what if we could use a byproduct of the manufacture of a different product? It is an efficient...
I-Rural: Helping communities meet increased demand for rural tourism
URBANA, Ill. – Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Illinois. Now, rural Illinois communities are getting help to reimagine the potential for tourism growth and sustainability.
Pandemic restrictions generated renewed interest in rural outdoor activities....
Give caterpillars a chance with soft landings under trees
URBANA, Ill. – Trees are natural caretakers – their limbs provide shade and shelter, their seeds and leaves provide food, their roots filter water. Insect scientists have another skill to add to the list – a haven for caterpillars. Entomologists are asking gardeners, homeowners, and landscapers...
Know what to do around downed power lines
May is Electrical Safety Month
After an accident involving downed power lines, stay in the car or cab and call 9-1-1
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — May is Electrical Safety Month and a good time to think about how to stay safe in a situation where there are...
Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports receives grant from National Wild Turkey Federation in Illinois
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The elected volunteer board for the National Wildlife Turkey Federation in Illinois met in January and awarded funds to support local programs such as scholarships, JAKES, WITO, 4-H, National Shooting Sports Association, Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Conservation Programs. This year...
Fulton 4-H members participate in public speaking
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held March 26 at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. 4-H member Addison Fidler presented a formal speech about Cryptocurrencies, and 4-H member Aliyah Janssen presented a humorous oral interpretation about...
The NRA Foundation awards $3,200 to the Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The NRA Foundation has awarded the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports program a grant totaling $3,200 to fund shotgun and rifle ammunition. "We are very thankful for the continued support we have received from the NRA," said Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator "The...
STEM Academy is back in person
PEORIA, Ill - We are excited to be bringing STEM Academy back live and in person this year, through the collaboration of Pearl Technology, Richwood Township, Caterpillar, and University of Illinois Extension. The theme is Capture the Flag, which may make you think of the physical game of running...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports to hold spring session
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension announces that the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports Program will begin its spring session on April 10. Registration materials are available online at...
