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parent working on project with children
Read article: Growing minds all summer long
Growing minds all summer long
As the last day of school ends, children begin the transition from school to home-based learning. They trade in their backpacks and schoolbooks for...
tree roots on the surface of the soil around the trunk of a tree green canopy with sunshine in background
Read article: Where the tree roots grow
Where the tree roots grow
Did you plant a tree this past spring? How about last fall? Do you have a mature tree that you are caring for? If you answered yes to any of these...
well head near an ag field
Read article: When using pesticides, watch for wells
When using pesticides, watch for wells
If you apply pesticides, good environmental safety practices can help protect sensitive areas that influence drinking water quality. Be aware of...
Cows off in the distance grazing in a pasture
Read article: Spring breeding season is underway- What can you influence?
Spring breeding season is underway- What can you influence?
By the time producers get into the swing of breeding season, most of the outcome has already been written. Previous decisions and the prior calving...
Pile of empty containers
Read article: 2026 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule
2026 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the single-day collection sites and dates for the 2026 Pesticide Container Recycling...
grass in a pollinator garden
Read article: Popular native grasses for the home landscape
Popular native grasses for the home landscape
Grasses can help provide groundcover, increase root competition to keep other native plants shorter, improve soil health, and increase water capture...
four poison ivy leaves showing leaf variability in shape and color
Read article: On Poison Ivy
On Poison Ivy
Dealing with the effects of a “run-in” with the poison ivy plant is probably the most common negative wildlife encounter people in the Midwest...
Meg Ray
Read article: Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray
Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Meg Ray
By Sarah Smith, Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master NaturalistUtilizing the 2025 Conservation@Home Kickoff event at Pleasant...

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.