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Envisioning the next 150 years of crop research with the Alma Mater Plots

URBANA, Ill. — A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each individually tile-drained, it’s the…
Everyday Environment series returns with nature-based solutions for home and community

URBANA, Ill. — Discover the power of working with nature. University of Illinois Extension’s natural resources series, Everyday Environment, returns with two live, free webinars exploring how anyone can apply nature-based solutions to help address…
What would it cost farmers if Illinois banned glyphosate?

URBANA, Ill. — A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Soybean Association finds that Illinois corn and soybean farmers could lose up to $609 million per year — representing a 3.6% revenue loss — if the state banned the weedkiller glyphosate.…
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Learn to grow with fall Master Gardener online training
URBANA, Ill. — From small farms and rural towns to the suburbs and inner-city, more than 2,600 trained Master Gardeners put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice around Illinois through community service...
What lurks under the dirt?: Call before you dig
Instead of hitting pay dirt, you will pay if you hit an underground line SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day. The observance reminds anyone considering an outdoor project that breaks ground to get underground utilities...
Storm-damaged trees may not be savable
URBANA, Ill. Severe thunderstorms, tornados, and strong winds sometimes damage trees, flowers, and lawns. An EF-3 tornado that hit Northern Illinois in June destroyed several 100-year-old trees. Homeowners in Woodridge and Naperville struggled to find the best ways to clean up and...
entrance sign at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Dixon Springs research takes center stage at upcoming forums
DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. – Research drives change for the agricultural industry. Current research projects from Dixon Springs Agricultural Center will be showcased monthly.  The first educational forum begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 and return the first Thursday of each month...
Extension’s strategic realignment means more help for Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout history, families have grappled with how to manage chronic health conditions, eat well, balance a family budget, and create a stable beginning for their youngest family members. But modern families are faced with a new set of challenges layered on top of the long-...
Geothermal systems bring smaller footprint to scalable, renewable energy
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois advances towards its goal of converting all energy systems to 100% renewable energy by 2050, it recognizes that other energy sources besides solar and wind are necessary to reach the state’s future demands. Geothermal energy could be the key to replacing...
Return to work may cause separation anxiety in furry friends
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - As people look forward to returning to full-time work schedules or vacations away from home, four-legged friends may not have the same feeling. The return to “normalcy” will be hard for many household pets who may have gotten used to more time with their owners and experience...
Summer blooms simplify warm-season grass identification
URBANA, Ill. – Most people can identify a few different trees by their leaves or flowers in bloom, but grasses are a different story. Grasses provided food and shelter for wildlife and are key to a healthy ecosystem. Learn to identify the wide variety of Illinois warm-season grasses in a...

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