Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...
Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...
Night Pollinator Walk invites community to discover Busey Woods after dark
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension invites the public to explore the natural world at night during a special Night Pollinator Walk at Busey Woods on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Part of National Pollinator Week...
Extension Educator to Present on the Vital Relationship Between Plants and Pollinators
DANVILLE, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau will present a free program exploring the essential connection between plants and pollinators on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at the Danville Public Library, located at 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832...
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees exploring more about native bees and ways to...
Master the Art of Canning with Illinois Extension’s Summer Workshop Series
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Learn how to safely preserve fresh produce and enjoy homemade goods year-round at Illinois Extension’s summer canning workshop series. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen from 9 a.m. to noon at 201 W. Kenyon...
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
Join the Pollinator-Friendly Planting Event at Prairie Gardens
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension invites community members to dig in and help pollinators thrive during a special hands-on container planting event sponsored by the Champaign County Master Gardeners. This event will be held at Prairie Gardens in Champaign on May 27 or 28,...
Learn the Art of Breadmaking with Illinois Extension
RANTOUL, Ill. — Curious about making bread at home? University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Rantoul Public Library, will offer a free breadmaking workshop on Thursday, May 30, at 1 p.m., led by University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen. The...
Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?
URBANA, Ill. — Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they’re in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don’t know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but...
University of Illinois Agronomy Days series returns to ACES
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is back, which means the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return with its Agronomy Days series, where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity,...
Stay Sharp and Feel Your Best with Illinois Extension’s Engaging Wellness Event in Danville
DANVILLE, Ill. – Looking to boost your brainpower and energize your body? University of Illinois Extension invites community members to a free, interactive double-feature wellness event at the Danville Public Library, 319 N Vermilion St., on Wednesday, May 14 at 1 p.m.This special program...
University of Illinois Extension to Host Free Two-Part Digital Skills Series for Older Adults
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce a free, two-part series designed to help older adults gain confidence and practical skills in using the internet and social media. These welcoming sessions will be held at the Champaign County Public library’s Robeson...
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023 traffic accident that took the lives of eight...
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...
A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...
