Blogs

Blogs Written by Our Educators

Recent Blog Articles
Blog Articles
A child watering a plant with an adult watching
Read article: Gardening with preschoolers using planters
Gardening with preschoolers using planters
Gardening season is almost here! It is a great family activity and beneficial to get children interested when they are young. Have you wondered if...
the base of a newly planted tree with fresh dirt
Read article: Ensuring the survival of newly planted trees: Essential care tips for the first three years
Ensuring the survival of newly planted trees: Essential care tips for the first three years
How do you take care of a newly planted tree?Lots of trees get planted in April, at least in Illinois. What follows is a ‘will they, won’t they…...
tree growing from the ground
Read article: Chinquapin Bluffs and Chinkapin Oaks on Arbor Day
Chinquapin Bluffs and Chinkapin Oaks on Arbor Day
Happy Arbor Day! This celebration began in 1872 as a day to plant and appreciate trees in the natural world around us. With over 150 years...
Read article: Reversing the Chicago River created ripple effects we still see today
Reversing the Chicago River created ripple effects we still see today
Urbanization has not historically been too kind to the health and well-being of rivers. It’s a rough irony that something so important to the...
Phytobac system
Read article: Phytobac™ breaks down spray tank residues
Phytobac™ breaks down spray tank residues
Private applicators have a novel way to handle spray tank residues when cleaning agricultural machinery and spraying equipment that was presented at...
Cow in chute
Read article: How can I improve beef cow conception rates?
How can I improve beef cow conception rates?
With breeding season approaching, let’s look at some areas of focus to that could be robbing from conception rates.  Some factors that I think...
Cattails in a wetland
Read article: Constructed wetlands for water quality: Easement programs for agricultural conservation
Constructed wetlands for water quality: Easement programs for agricultural conservation
Both restored and constructed wetlands can play a big role in reducing nutrient loss. In ...
two women, one Hispanic, the other African American walking on a sidewalk carrying hand weights in the spring
Read article: Step Into Spring: Embracing Movement for a Healthier You
Step Into Spring: Embracing Movement for a Healthier You
As the earth awakens from its winter rest, with longer days and warmer temperatures, spring offers the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and...

Popular Blogs from across Illinois Extension

Agriculture

Acres of Knowledge

All issues concerning Small Farms, Agriculture, Local Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Hill & Furrow

News from the Northwestern Illinois Agricultural R&D Center.

Community & Economic Development 

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Strategies for strengthening local economies.

Community Health

Community Health: Education, Prevention & Inspiration

Empowering people to make healthy, respectful, and responsible choices.

Consumer Economics 

Be Centsible

Written by college students, for college students. Be Centsible features answers to personal finance questions.

Fearless Financial Future

Research-based financial information to help us develop and maintain thoughtful and effective financial behaviors.

Plan Well, Retire Well

Great retirements don't happen by accident. Tips for saving and investing your money.

Environment

All About Weather

Learn more about Illinois weather patterns.

Naturalist News

Share your passion for nature and learn ways to protect our natural world.

Naturalist's Notebook

Experience the natural world through reviews and journal entries with Master Naturalist's.

Grasses at a Glance

Dig deep into the types of grasses and their uses in our world.

Family 

Community Health: Education, Prevention and Inspiration

Empowering people to make healthy, respectful and responsible choices.

Family Files

Facts for all ages.

Refill Your Cup with Self-Care

Genuine, sustained self-care is an art.

Salud y Familia

Resources in Spanish.

Horticulture 

Flowers, Fruits, and Frass

Local and statewide information on a variety of current topics for home gardeners and market growers.

The Garden Scoop

Featuring seasonal tips and tricks from the horticulture team at Illinois Extension.

Good Growing

Keeping you growing with good ideas from Christopher EnrothKen Johnson, and Emily Swihart.

Illinois River Hort

Helping new and experienced gardeners develop their skills and knowledge while encouraging everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

Know How, Know More

Connecting you with your food, farmers, and community.

Over the Garden Fence

Where gardeners come to find out what's happening out in the yard.

Raise, Grow, Harvest, Eat, Repeat

A blog for growers, consumers, and backyard gardeners to grow, eat, and connect in the local food system.

Nutrition and Wellness 

Be Smart, Eat Well, Get Healthy

Nutrition information you can use.

Healthy Eats and Repeat

Highlighting food, recipes, and ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

Live Well, Eat Well

Information by our Nutrition and Wellness Extension Educators from across Illinois.

Simply Nutritious, Quick and Delicious

Helpful tips to make meals easy, healthy, and tasty!

Turnip the Beet! Nutrition and Wellness

Timely news, information, and innovative ideas to promote health and influence change.

Youth Development

Connection Corner

Timely information, activities, and resources to help you stay connected to loved ones, the world around you, and yourself.

Our Illinois 4-H Story

Telling the amazing stories of Illinois 4-H members, volunteers, and alumni.