Keep worms warm for winter vermicomposting
URBANA, Ill. – Vermicomposting or vermiculture, which is also known as worm farming, is the practice of keeping worms to produce worm castings or vermicompost. Vermicomposting is a natural process where worms digest organic matter and produce a waste product that is high in plant-available...
Grub attack could be just under the surface
URBANA, Ill. – Hundreds of dead and dying grubs littered the dirt Chicago sports field once covered in grass. Nancy Kreith, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator...
Purdue Extension and University of Illinois Extension to host Bi-State Crops Conference
Purdue University Extension and University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to offer the annual Bi-State Crops Conference, being held at The Beef House Restaurant at 16501 Indiana State Road 63, Covington, Indiana, on Thursday, December 9th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and...
Restore wildlife, prepare for spring with winter Gardening in the Air series
URBANA, Ill. — As the cold weather sets in, it's time to move indoors. Learn how to take care of houseplants, protect wildlife, and prepare for spring gardening trends in Gardening in the Air, a webinar series offered by...
Teacher Tuesdays offers virtual STEAM resource fair for educators
PEKIN, Ill. - Good educators are some of the most valuable assets in our community. For over five years, Teacher Tuesdays has sought to provided support, encouragement, and connection to these educators. This year, Teacher Tuesdays will kick off its series of engaging workshops and professional...
Don't rake fall leaves, recycle them
URBANA, Ill. – Every fall, an onslaught of leaves drop relentlessly into yards leaving homeowners to rake, bag, and haul them out on the curb. But what many don’t know is that those golden-hued leaves are gold in the garden.
“After raking leaves this fall, think about recycling them on...
Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...
4-H'ers across the state can soak up facts directly from a scientist
MARSHALL, Ill - Learning directly from the source of knowledge is a great way to engage young learners. An even greater way to captivate their attention is to do it live and allow them to ask questions.
4-H’ers across the state of Illinois can sign up to participate in Soak it up...
4-H offers more activities to build family connections
PEKIN, Ill - Social distancing during the pandemic, though necessary, has caused social and emotional side effects that have been felt by all of us – perhaps especially by our young people. Programs from University of Illinois Extension and 4-H serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell...
Proper maintenance extends lifespan, saves money on garden tools
URBANA, Ill. – One of the pricier expenditures for home gardeners is quality hand tools. High quality tools will last longer, but this does mean the tools — whether shovels, rakes, pruners, or hand trowels — cost more.
“Buy the best you can afford. Take care of your tools, and they will...