Teacher and students in wading in creek bed

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Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events

URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?

“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving…
Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions

URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while…
From member to 4-H Hall of Famer, Burke leads multi-state Extension impact in agriculture

URBANA, Ill. — Leading and guiding University of Illinois Extension’s growing team of agricultural experts is no small feat. Last year, the team developed and delivered programs that drew over 95,000 people, both virtually and in person, across the state. From livestock and row crops to…
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Learn how to tell which grass is which
URBANA, Ill. – When looking at green blades of grass, it can be difficult to tell the difference between species. Identifying grasses does not have to be tricky with help from University of Illinois Extension. This fall, join Energy and Environment Energy and Environment Educator...
Create a caterpillar cafe out of your butterfly garden
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension encourages gardeners to take their butterfly garden to the next level. Kelly Allsup, Extension horticulture educator, says the project can be challenging and rewarding....
4-H webinar aims to help children stay safe while home alone
PEKIN, Ill. - This year, the virtual and hybrid learning models adopted by many schools may cause some students to stay home alone while their parents go back to work. “Staying Safe at Home” is a new, virtual program offered by University...
Get the most from your energy budget
URBANA, Ill. – Understanding how electric utilities work and the services available can help residents and governments invest resources wisely and save money. In a series of energy policy webinars, University of Illinois Extension's energy efficiency...
Grow apple trees in your urban garden
URBANA, Ill. – Apple trees have been a common landscape feature throughout human history. As humans become more urban-dwelling, apple trees are finding new homes in cosmopolitan landscapes far from familiar orchards. “Urban apple trees are usually dwarf varieties or columnar apple trees...
Controlling crab grass can be a summer-long task
URBANA, Ill. – Recent rains have caused a common spring-time foe, crabgrass, to reappear. Crabgrass is often thought of as a spring-emerging weed, but with enough moisture, crabgrass can germinate any time in the growing season, challenging homeowners. “Crabgrass is an abundant seed...
Virtual and in-person tours available for annual pumpkin field day
URBANA, Ill. – From jack-o’-lanterns to gourds, University of Illinois Extension has research updates on all things pumpkin. Since 2014, Illinois Extension staff conduct agricultural field trials regularly to compare yields of different pumpkin varieties grown under realistic conditions...
Choose drought tolerant plants for homeowners
URBANA, Ill. - It can be a challenge to choose plants that will survive Illinois’ changing weather patterns. "While we can go inside and enjoy the air conditioning, our plants don’t have the same luxury," says Gemini Bhalsod, University of...

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