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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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Shutting Down the Energy ‘Thieves’ in your Home 
On the hunt for another $100.00 (per year) to stretch your budget? One study found a surprising number of “Always On” electrical devices in our homes:  Coffee makers and other small appliances with built-in clocks  Cable/satellite, game and other TV connecting boxes...
IPT Bull Sale is the Source for Total Performance Genetics
URBANA, Ill. – Commercial cow-calf producers and seedstock breeders interested in purchasing a total performance tested bull will want to attend the 2020 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale, the leadoff event of the Illinois Beef Expo. There are 56 bulls...
Gateway Green Industry Conference in Collinsville, Ill. March 4
Collinsville, Ill. - The Gateway Green Industry Conference is now taking registrations for the 2020 conference being held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville.  The educational program has a track for sports turf, landscape, arborist, plantscape, parks and...
Multiple Spring Beef Meetings Slated for Southeastern Illinois
Cattlemen in southeastern Illinois will have several opportunities to attend spring beef meetings that will cover various topics such as creep feeding research update, Accuration hi-fat protein tubs, hay/pasture soil fertility and associated forage production and analysis, and beef industry...
Training the Next Generation of Shooting Sports Enthusiasts
MARION, Ill.— Illinois 4-H is seeking adult volunteers to train local youth interested in learning about shooting sports.  More than 3,600 4-H members participate in one of the five 4-H shooting sports disciplines, and projects teach the responsible and safe handling of firearms.   The...
Local Government Education Webinars: Legislative Updates
Illinois Extension's Community and Economic Development team will host a webinar that highlights new or upcoming legislative changes with a focus on those elements which will directly impact local governments across Illinois....
farmers with tractor
Farm Life is Uncontrollable, Know the Warning Signs of Stress
DECATUR, Ill. – On a farm, most pressures are constant and uncontrollable. Machinery breaks, weather delays work and commodity prices fluctuate. The work is isolating and stressful, which puts farmers at risk for severe and ongoing anxiety. Suicide rates are higher for farmers than any other...
Conferences Set for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Feb. 4 & 5
Growers from across the region will gather for the 2020 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School on Tuesday, February 4 in Hardin and the 2020 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School on Wednesday, February 5 in Mt. Vernon. These programs, sponsored by University of Illinois...
Four Seasons Gardening Winter Webinar Series Underway
The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each season, the team hosts three live webinars participants can take from their own computers delivered via Zoom. The programs are free, but...
Free Extension Webinars for Small Farmers
DECATUR, Ill. — During winters, farmers may not be out in their fields, but that doesn’t mean they are taking a break. Starting in January, University of Illinois Extension is providing a weekly educational webinar series for the small farm community. This online series will provide small farm...

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