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Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics

URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program understands that putting experience, safety, awareness…

Tree series strives to teach proper care techniques to lengthen lifespan of Illinois trees

URBANA, Ill. — Trees are essential to nature’s landscape and our daily lives. Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure their best life and healthier urban forest. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to be impacted through improved air…

Sugar and spice make everything nice

URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?

Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the…

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Aaron Hager standing in soybean field surrounded by the weed waterhemp
Tank-mixing herbicides may not be enough to avoid herbicide resistance
URBANA, Ill. — Eight years ago, University of Illinois and USDA-ARS scientists turned weed control on its head. More and more herbicide resistant weeds were popping up, and the pest plants were getting harder to kill. It was clear farmers could no longer rely on the same chemicals year...
Colorful mural on the Hello Peoria Building
Art and culture: A path to progress and community development
URBANA, Ill. — Artists, arts organizations and collectives, and arts activities, in general, can play a valuable role in economic and social development, as well as in the long-term sustainability of communities. Creating artistic spaces fosters connections across sectors to improve physical and...
two blooming pinguicula plants in containers
Bugged by houseplant pests? Give carnivorous plants a try
URBANA, Ill. – During the chilly, dreary winter months, I enjoy my green houseplants that add a bright spot in my office and living space. So when I was visiting a new specialty plant shop this fall, I had to add a new plant friend, “Ping,” to my collection. If you have ever dealt...
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Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances. Gain the financial...
the first and second place winners pose with their catches
Youth show off their best catches in statewide competition
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Crappie Challenge in April. While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience. “When a kid cares...
youth holding the harness of a cow
Teens leaders dedicated to feeding a nation
Urbana, Ill. – Eleven Illinois teens have a new way to develop their skills as future leaders that are dedicated to feeding a nation through the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team. ...
Screen capture of a website showing a red blooming flower next to a digital map showing its location in the Red Oak Rain Garden
Virtual map provides a tool for rain garden stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – When caring for a rain garden, one of the most helpful tools may not be a rake or a pruner, but a map. The Red Oak Rain Garden interactive map shows the layout of the garden’s native plant placement. This makes maintenance easier and also helps visitors learn about the...
contest participants pose by signs
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
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...
bright purple flowers with yellow center
Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by...
close up of hand holding several small flat larvae of an emerald ash borer
Land-grant universities key in managing devastating Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy North American ash trees following its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990s. Since then, efforts have been underway to identify the most effective means of protecting ash trees from attack.   In...
Invasive Maackii fruit plant with text overlay reading Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....
Backyard landscape filled with green grass, plants, flowers, and a tree.
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...

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