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Register for statewide in-person pesticide applicator 2027 training clinics, testing

URBANA, Ill. — Build trust and lead with experience, safety, awareness, and knowledge to help ensure safer pesticide application with training from the Pesticide Safety Education Program at University of Illinois Extension. Sign up for an in-person training and testing clinic offered across…
Policy program creates unexpected path to community and career impact

CHICAGO — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna Elizabeth Gutierrez calls her immersive Illini Science Policy Program experience both exciting and atypical. 

In 2022, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation in Chicago had just hired its first executive director…
Illinois Extension expands environmental outreach to meet growing need

URBANA, Ill. — A handful of University of Illinois Extension staffing changes mean four more educators in the northern part of the state are sharing their energy, environment, and natural resources expertise with local communities. While the geographical…
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A farmer wearing a hearing aid while doing outdoor chores at a chicken coop.
Illinois AgrAbility provides assistive technology to farmers statewide
URBANA, Ill. — Stepping in to assist farmers through research, conversation, knowledge, and assistance devices is how Illinois AgrAbility continues to work alongside farmers across the state of Illinois. Together, the two work together to enhance everyday experiences of...
Person outside in the hot sun gardening while wiping forehead of sweat.
Recognizing heat-related warning signs for gardeners and landscapers
URBANA, Ill. — Landscaping and gardening are great physical exercises, and studies show they are good for emotional well-being. But those working outside must remain aware of the dangers associated with heat stress on their bodies.“When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a large...
A person holding out a large group of varied flowers and herbs
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-lasting...
Person driving a tractor without a cab on a rural road.
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — The varied spring weather across the state has some tractors parked, but others are out and on the move. The new planting season is here. Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agricultural industry is highly prone to risks, accidents, severe...
Youth teams standing at a crop scouting station discussing plants with a researcher.
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize. The team works together to...
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...
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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