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Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars

URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual flowers using empty plastic jugs and spring tips for…

Songbirds socialize on the wing during migration, new study says

URBANA, Ill. — The night sky teems with migrating songbirds, aloft in their millions following routes etched in evolutionary time. But those flight paths may not be entirely innate, according to new research led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Evidence from over 18,300 hours of…

Explore integrated water management with Illinois Extension workshop

URBANA, Ill. — In times of changing environmental conditions, unmanaged drainage water with a lack of soil conservation practices can impact farm profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Understanding management options starts with knowing what’s happening out in the fields…

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Row of green evergreens and shrubs planted as a windbreak in a yard.
Discover added benefits to planting windbreaks
URBANA, Ill. — Windbreaks are utilized as critical components of agriculture worldwide and have been for centuries. Traditionally, windbreaks are linear plantings layered with trees and shrubs primarily designed to reduce wind speeds. Also known as shelterbelts, windbreaks have the potential to...
Up close view of a calculator laying next to corn kernels and soybeans.
Determining cash rent on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices across the state is, what is the going rate for cash rent for farmland? Cash rent rates are a common yet recurring question that is...
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Future forests rely on stewardship, knowledge of private landowners
FREEPORT, Ill. — A forest is many things. Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. Their leaves clean the air, and their roots filter water, slow floods, and prevent soil erosion. Timber products are crucial to local economies and tourism. Forests and woodlands also once made up more...
Ignite youth gather in front of banner.
National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways
Washington, D.C.. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 13-17 in Washington D.C. Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and...
Road Trip attendees look at a presenter.
Illinois youth attend first 4-H post-high school success conference
URBANA, Ill. — Over 140 eighth through 12th graders from across Illinois headed to the Illini Union on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus for a 4-H College and Career Road Trip. This dynamic conference was aimed at preparing Illinois youth for the journey into higher education...
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Spice-Healthcare: Dietary assessments for culturally diverse older adults
URBANA, Ill. — A cross-campus team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led by Kinesiology and Community Health Assistant Professor Mina Raj, has received two grants to test an online platform designed to help dietitians, clinicians and food service personnel make...
Maria Kalaitzandonakes
Consumers across political spectrum share food pricing frustrations
URBANA, Ill. — In his State of the Union address last week, President Biden touched on a topic close to the hearts of U.S. consumers: food prices. In this election year, we can expect high food costs to come up repeatedly, with candidates from both parties invoking price gouging, shrinkflation,...
Overhead view of compost filled bin during winter.
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is...
Darci Webber
New Extension environmental educator takes root in central Illinois
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — When it comes to coexisting with nature, the solutions aren’t always straightforward. What do you do if your native plant landscaping attracts a family of groundhogs? How do you work with your neighbors to remove encroaching invasive species? Where can you go in town to find...
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Empower caregivers with research-based strategies to improve elder care
URBANA, Ill. — The number of older adults in the U.S. continues to rise, and the need for more caregivers comes with that. This demographic shift underscores the importance of initiatives to support caregivers and provide them with the necessary resources and assistance. ...
Pink Wall of flowers next to a hanging basket of purple petunias.
Explore the 2024 All-America Selection flower and vegetable variety winners
URBANA, Ill. — While the rain, thunderstorms, and snow replenish the soil moisture, winter can still bring the blues. To welcome the spring season, check mailboxes for the new garden catalogs and start spring garden planning. When planning, remember to leave room for the spontaneous buys when...
Two people talking, about to shake hands in a wheat field.
Considerations when hiring a farm manager
URBANA, Ill. — Managing a farm is a big job. From determining cash rent to planning the next planting or calving season, a farm manager can be an experienced asset to help when making decisions about a farm. Guessing around decision-making can cost farmers thousands in potential revenues that...

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