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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…

spotted lanternfly

Get tools to manage non-native plants and insects at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium

URBANA, Ill. — Spotted lanternflies were found in Illinois for the first time in 2023. Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake pipes on Lake Michigan, and every spring, invasive Bradford Callery pear trees and amur bush honeysuckle bloom across Illinois communities instead of native…

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When coal mines close: Help for transitioning communities
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois contains about 15% recoverable coal reserves and is the nation’s second-largest coal producer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Five of the 11 remaining Illinois coal plants are scheduled...
Hackers attack US meat supply chain
URBANA, Ill. - Another international cyberattack may have a direct impact on your dinner table. Over the weekend, hackers breached computer systems of JBS USA, the second-largest producer of beef, pork, and poultry in the country. Sunday, the company initiated a shutdown of many of its...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm. Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Tomorrow's leaders backed by new Southern Illinois 4-H educator
URBANA, Ill. – From empowering Illinois youth to dream big to preparing them to face tomorrow's challenges and become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff are...
Smart Growth strategies take an intentional approach to community vitality
URBANA, Ill. – Rural communities facing economic challenges and population decline not only care about taxes, length of commutes, employment opportunities, and housing affordability but also seek to preserve the lifestyle and atmosphere that make their community special. Development in rural...
Eat more fruits and vegetables with the help of your local farmers market
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – For Illinois residents who fall within the one in 10 American adults who don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, farmers markets offer the chance for consumers to up their fruit and vegetable intake while supporting local farmers. The variety of...
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe. ...
Add interest by creating a moonlight garden
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners who look forward to enjoying their landscapes during warm summer nights should consider creating a moonlight garden that extends the experience late into the evening. ...
FOIA policy review protects public interest, supports local compliance
The Freedom of Information Act serves a vital role in American democracy. To keep government transparent, FOIA requires government agencies to disclose information and records as requested by the public, unless the request falls under certain exclusions. Public agencies failing to comply...
New crop scouting competition tests student field skills
URBANA, Ill. – In a corn or soybean field, knowing how crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The first-ever Illinois Crop Scouting Competition is a one-day on-campus contest in August that tests...
Youth make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens gained hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference in April.  Youth were able to practice real-world skills in one of the...
Community initiatives combat outmigration of young talent in rural areas
URBANA, Ill. ­­– In 2018, 86 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline, and almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent. “Outmigration of young adults impacts so many areas of the community, including school...

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