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A bunch of yellow sunflowers

Take a break from the summer heat, enjoy Four Seasons Gardening series

URBANA, Ill. — Summer is a time of growth and exploration. While spring-planted flowers and vegetables are growing, take a break between waterings to learn something new from the vast world of gardening. 

Explore the global impact of sunflowers, discover summer-blooming trees, and learn…

wild parsnip

Identify, avoid, and manage troublesome wild parsnip

URBANA, Ill. — I love parsnips. Often parsnips, large white carrot-like root vegetables, are substituted for celery in my soups and stews. The cultivated parsnip that we eat heralds from the appropriately named wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa. However, wild parsnip is a plant to avoid. The wild…

jerry hicks in a suit and tie

Sangamon County resident named national lifetime volunteer award finalist 

URBANA, Ill. – Sangamon County resident Jerry Hicks has been named as a finalist for the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award and the award winner for the north central region of the country.

Hicks has made an indelible impact to the Illinois 4-H program and his…

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Hemp Grower Spotlight: Sulcanna
FREEPORT, Ill. -- University of Illinois Extension will continue with their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Friday April 17th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other growers and agribusiness professionals to come together...
Selecting Disinfectants for COVID-19
In the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic, we are turning to disinfectants for help, but how do we know if they are effective? In general, disinfectants control a wide range of pathogens that are or could be a problem on hard, porous, or nonporous surfaces. These pathogens may include...
Worm Composting is a DIY Project For All Ages
DECATUR, Ill. — DIY projects are a great way to welcome Spring. Have you ever considered Worm Composting or Vermicomposting? One pound of worms- about 500 worms- can eat between one-half and one pound of food waste per day and can double in population in a month if they have sufficient food,...
Hemp Grower Spotlight: Rock River Labs
The University of Illinois Extension is excited to announce that the first edition of their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series will be held on Tuesday April 14th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and other growers and agribusiness...
'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy
This time of year is popular for dyeing and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Food safety is important to remember when handling eggs to prevent unwanted foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates 79,000 Americans get sick every year from Salmonella found in eggs.  “...
4-H overnight camping canceled for summer
University of Illinois Extension has announced the cancellation of all overnight summer camps sponsored or hosted by University of Illinois, including overnight residential 4-H camps conducted by Illinois 4-H. The cancellation will extend through July 31, 2020.   Camping is a valued part...
COVID-19 forces changes in pesticide training, testing
URBANA, Ill. - The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern both globally and here in our community. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines...
Plant Clinic still open for business
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois Plant Clinic remains open to identify plant pests and diseases. New guidelines are in place to comply with all university of state guidelines related to COVID-19.  To send samples...
New website offers advice for feeding babies
URBANA, Ill. - Families with questions about safe and healthy practices for feeding infants now have a reliable source for answers. Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, a new website from ...
Improve your gardens: Four Seasons webinar offers tips
URBANA, Ill. - Extend the beauty and productivity of this year's garden. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts have added five new offerings to the popular Four Seasons Gardening webinar ...
Understanding the truths of autism
URBANA, Ill. - The myths surrounding autism often overshadow the truths. Leading University of Illinois experts will provide insight into what autism is as they debunk myths during an online webinar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. The...
Improve your health at home: Online Webinar
URBANA, Ill. - Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially as more of our time is spent at home. Learn healthful strategies for enriching your wellness journey over the next two months that can change your life. Free online webinars offered by ...
Hemp grower spotlight: American Hemp Research
FREEPORT, Ill. - The University of Illinois Extension will continue with their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Monday April 6th, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other growers, agribusiness professionals, university and...
Hemp grower spotlight: Clara Joyce Flowers
Farmers’ Experiences/Lessons Learned From 2019 FREEPORT, Ill. - The University of Illinois Extension will continue their “Grower Spotlight” webinar series on Thursday April 2nd, 2020 from 9:00AM-10:30AM. This webinar series serves as a platform for our local producers and allow other...

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