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a group of children stand at a table full of potted plants in a classroom

Plant positivity, learn how to grow a school or community garden

URBANA, Ill. — When green spaces fill schoolyards and neighborhoods with flowers and fresh produce, children and communities thrive. But the journey from the idea of starting a community or school-based garden to planting one that is built to last is long. What funding sources are available?…

Recent quarter-sized holes in the soil made by periodical cicadas

Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming

If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.

“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois,” says Ken…

Erin Garret standing next to little bluestem in a garden

Grasses at a Glance blog earns award from national Extension organization

URBANA, Ill. — Grasses are a small and often subtle backbone of many ecosystems, making up nearly 30% of the planet’s land cover. They prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow, and provide food and habitat for wildlife and livestock. But ask someone to identify one grass from another, and you…

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Creative cooking with fewer ingredients
Making fewer trips to the grocery store does not have to mean boring meals or the same meal every night. Cooking with five ingredients or less is a money saver, takes less time to prepare the meal, and uses less equipment resulting in fewer dishes. “Cooking with fewer ingredients can be...
Webinar offers best practices for disabilities in workforce development
URBANA, Ill. - Workforce development programs are now more equally accessible to persons with varying abilities, with the goal of helping every person prepare for, find, and maintain quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. ...
Learn tips for keeping your brain fit
URBANA, Ill. – Staying fit doesn’t only mean exercising and eating healthy foods. With age, it’s important to do activities which keep our brains fit and healthy, as well as our bodies. Beginning May 7, University of Illinois Extension will offer...
Hemp Grower Spotlight: Sulcanna
FREEPORT, Ill. -- University of Illinois Extension will continue with their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Friday April 17th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other growers and agribusiness professionals to come together...
Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...
Hemp Grower Spotlight: Rock River Labs
The University of Illinois Extension is excited to announce that the first edition of their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series will be held on Tuesday April 14th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and other growers and agribusiness...
'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs.  “...
4-H overnight camping canceled for summer
University of Illinois Extension has announced the cancellation of all overnight summer camps sponsored or hosted by University of Illinois, including overnight residential 4-H camps conducted by Illinois 4-H. The cancellation will extend through July 31, 2020.   Camping is a valued part...
COVID-19 forces changes in pesticide training, testing
URBANA, Ill. - The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines...
Plant Clinic still open for business
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois Plant Clinic remains open to identify plant pests and diseases. New guidelines are in place to comply with all university of state guidelines related to COVID-19.  To send samples...
New website offers advice for feeding babies
URBANA, Ill. - Families with questions about safe and healthy practices for feeding infants now have a reliable source for answers. Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, a new website from ...
Improve your gardens: Four Seasons webinar offers tips
URBANA, Ill. - Extend the beauty and productivity of this year's garden. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts have added five new offerings to the popular Four Seasons Gardening webinar ...
Understanding the truths of autism
URBANA, Ill. - The myths surrounding autism often overshadow the truths. Leading University of Illinois experts will provide insight into what autism is as they debunk myths during an online webinar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. The...
Improve your health at home: Online Webinar
URBANA, Ill. - Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially as more of our time is spent at home. Learn healthful strategies for enriching your wellness journey over the next two months that can change your life. Free online webinars offered by ...

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