Get a jump start on spring by starting seeds at home
URBANA — As spring creeps closer and closer, gardeners start to get the itch to go outside and start digging in the dirt. While it may still be too early to do that, seed starting is a popular way to kick off the gardening season. Benefits of Starting SeedsSeeds started...
From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...
Farmers should consider using enhanced crop insurance coverage in 2025 to protect profits
HAVANA, Ill. - Currently, budgets for corn and soybean production by
Illinois Farmers is projected to be below breakeven on profitability. University
of Illinois Farmdoc budgets can be found here: farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2024/01/revised-2024-crop-budgets ...
Tap into Illinois water resources, actions to take at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — With the quick twist of a handle, water is easily available whenever we need it for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and yard work. But do you know where your water comes from?Water is a vital resource that affects everyone. This spring, learn more about how water works...
Spring into gardening with tools and tips at upcoming gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is near, and your green thumb is ripe for gardening. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started, growing nutrient-rich vegetables, fresh fruits, and aromatic herbs is more than just a way to fill your plate; it is like a badge of honor. Gardening...
Illinois Extension invites forest landowners to attend tri-state forestry conference
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference has a 25-plus-year tradition of providing great information and resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin tri-state area. It has been one of the largest conferences for forest landowners in the Midwest....
What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...
SNAP-Education youth cooking classes develop skills helpful beyond the kitchen
Something special happens when people gather around the table to eat together. It is even more amazing when they gather around the table to learn to cook together. Local University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education staff partner with after school programs...
Illinois 4-H expands shooting sports expertise with newly certified coordinators
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois 4-H has recently certified eight staff members as Level I 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. These individuals completed in a three-session professional development series, paving the way for future opportunities in 4-H Shooting Sports programming....
Strengthen spring planting with tips from Growing Great Vegetables webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — As gardening continues to gain popularity, it is important to keep the learning growing. Whether it is skills needed for a large backyard garden or a few windowsill and porch pots, sharing the knowledge and how much fun gardening activities with others can be very fulfilling....
Discovery Day field trip returns to Mason County
HAVANA, Ill. - On September 20, 2024, 4-H Discovery Day brought 169 third-grade students and their teachers to Rockwell Mound Park in Havana for an immersive experience in conservation and environmental education....
Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual...
Farmer leads the way in environmental conservation efforts
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Commercial row-crop agriculture and environmental conservation are not mutually exclusive. While large-scale farming operations can sometimes have negative environmental impacts, many farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices that promote biodiversity and...
Learn about the latest research at Dudley Smith Farm
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm during the annual Winter Meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office located at 1120 N....
Growing together: The impact of 4-H on young learners
PEORIA, Ill. - The 4-H Cloverbud program, designed for youth ages 5 to 7, is an important first step for young children to explore the world of 4-H and set the foundation for future involvement. Through a variety of hands-on activities and age-appropriate projects, Cloverbuds build relationships...
Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics
URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program...
Tree series strives to teach proper care techniques to lengthen lifespan of Illinois trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are essential to nature’s landscape and our daily lives. Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure their best life and healthier urban forest. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to be impacted through improved air...
Local Extension staff and volunteers inspire young people in pursuit of STEM careers
PEORIA, Ill. - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers in the environmental sciences were included in Bradley University's Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) classes thanks to University of Illinois Extension horticulture and natural resources...
Extension facilitates talks to address unhoused issues in Pekin
PEKIN, Ill - Homelessness is an increasing societal issue in every community in America today. Pekin is no exception to it either. The Pekin Downtown Main Street Merchants Association reached out to University of Illinois Extension for...
