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Wind farm over a field of soybeans

Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation

URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address…

Up close view of a brown marmorated stink bug on a green leaf.

New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects

URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may…

Overhead view of farmland filled with solar panels.

Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production

URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.

“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for…

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Four Seasons Gardening Winter Webinar Series Underway
The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each season, the team hosts three live webinars participants can take from their own computers delivered via Zoom. The programs are free, but...
Free Extension Webinars for Small Farmers
DECATUR, Ill. — During winters, farmers may not be out in their fields, but that doesn’t mean they are taking a break. Starting in January, University of Illinois Extension is providing a weekly educational webinar series for the small farm community. This online series will provide small farm...
U of I launches fellowship to connect graduates with public service careers
Urbana, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension has announced an open application period for government offices to apply to for the newly created Illini Science Policy Fellowship. The program matches University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate students completing their degrees with Illinois...
2020 Illinois Crop Management Conference Dates Announced
URBANA, Ill.– What do you need to know for the 2020 growing season? The University of Illinois will address several key topics at four regional conferences around the state in January and February. The meetings will provide a forum for discussion and interaction between participants, University...
Illinois Extension Develops Industrial Hemp Resources
Illinois producers did you grow hemp in 2019? Are you interested in giving it a shot in 2020? With the end of the growing season here, there are many hemp growers who will be looking to find processors and end buyers for their product. As this is an emerging industry without a developed supply...
Extension to Host Industrial Hemp Workshops throughout Southern Illinois
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.- During the first week of February, University of Illinois Extension will host three separate workshops throughout southern Illinois to share information on industrial hemp production. The signing of the Illinois hemp bill has provided opportunities for the cultivation...
2020 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. – After the polar vortex of last winter, many are wondering if those cold blustery temperatures will return this season to affect our plants in Illinois. According to winter predictions, and University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce J. Black, this winter should be...
Christmas tree hitchhikers
URBANA, Ill. – If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests. Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become...
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year
URBANA, Ill. – The Perennial Plant Association has announced the 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year®. Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ is a fabulous high-impact perennial that brings a bold pop of glowing color and texture to the shade or part shade garden. “Aralia ‘Sun King’ had been nominated...
Winter seed sowing
URBANA, Ill. – Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.  “Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth...
Explore and assess your seeds this winter
URBANA, Ill. – While there may still be snow on the ground outside, it is never too early to start planning your garden for the spring. Begin by digging through your old seed packet stashes to find those still viable to plant. Seeds are considered viable when they are capable of...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite.  ...
Overwintering tropical plants
URBANA, Ill. – Tropical plants have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as an easy way to add an attractive look to back patios, decks, and containers. Plants such as mandevilla, alocasia (elephant ear), and hibiscus are sold at garden centers in containers and, while they offer great...
Winter protection of woody ornamentals
URBANA, Ill. – As winter arrives, we all wonder at the temperatures we will have to endure throughout the season. Fortunately, ornamental plants begin preparing for winter early through a process called cold acclimation. The process is signaled by cooling temperatures and shorter day lengths....
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Illinois Extension offers programming for coal-dependent communities
URBANA, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension’s Community and Economic Development team is making statewide outreach efforts in offering two local government education webinars that will focus on communities facing coal plant closures, and their economic, as well as environmental, implications...
Extension educator is national 4-H winner
Amy Henschen earned the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4HA) national communicator award for the news story division and honored at the group's annual meeting in White Sulfur Springs, W.V. Henschen began working as an Extension Educator for University of Illinois in July...

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