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....
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...
Songbirds socialize on the wing during migration, new study says
URBANA, Ill. — The night sky teems with migrating songbirds, aloft in their millions following routes etched in evolutionary time. But those flight paths may not be entirely innate, according to new research...
Explore integrated water management with Illinois Extension workshop
URBANA, Ill. — In times of changing environmental conditions, unmanaged drainage water with a lack of soil conservation practices can impact farm profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Understanding management options starts with knowing what’s happening out in the fields...
Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...
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...
Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...
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....
Local Climate Stewards can lead to big changes with new environmental program
URBANA, Ill. — Climate change is a complex global challenge, but local action has an important role in empowering communities and building resiliency. The new University of Illinois Extension Climate Steward course trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in...
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...
Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...
Connections across Extension programs lead to lasting impact
URBANA, Ill. — Establishing connections is essential for the expansion of Illinois Extension. Interdisciplinary work shows how collaboration across programs brings valuable knowledge to new audiences and builds lasting relationships. From teams that improve food access and eliminate food deserts...
4-H digital design program wins award for connecting youth with technology
URBANA, Ill. — In a world where technological advances happen daily, digital access and literacy are crucial for future generations to close opportunity gaps. University of Illinois Extension works to connect communities with technology to improve the quality of living through digital education...
Northern Illinois youth dance program wins Extension Innovation Award
URBANA, Ill. — Dance is an art form that moves us while having fun. Research shows that children who dance report better stress release, improved focus and concentration, and a better sense of self and freedom. University of Illinois Extension awarded 4-H Youth Development Specialist...
Extension recognizes employee excellence, commitment to mission
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, more than 650 University of Illinois Extension employees work to serve the communities where they live and help tackle local issues with research-based solutions. Illinois Extension honored 11 outstanding individuals whose efforts demonstrate significant public...
‘Taste of Extension’ connects community with life-changing resources
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension has connected every county in Illinois with life-changing research to improve lives for more than a century. However, many community members are unaware of the variety of local Extension programs for all ages. To raise awareness about...
Five community engagement programs recognized for excellence
URBANA, Ill. — The core of University of Illinois Extension’s mission is to help individuals and communities improve by connecting them with life-changing research-based information. Every year, staff across the state offer thousands of in-person and remote programs to meet this mission....
