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Royal Catchfly: A rare Illinois native worth growing
Read article: Royal Catchfly: A rare Illinois native worth growing
Royal Catchfly: A rare Illinois native worth growing
Royal catchfly (Silene regia) is one of the few Illinois native plants that sports a red bloom, making it a sought-after plant both...
homeowner looking at yard
Read article: New homeowners should take time to learn their yard
New homeowners should take time to learn their yard
By Deborah Lane, Extension Master Gardener, Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell CountiesAs a Master Gardener volunteer, I have...
Nipper Wildlife Refuge
Read article: Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary: A local nature classroom
Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary: A local nature classroom
By Roberta Clifton, Extension Master Naturalist, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and TazewellOff the beaten path, but only 30 minutes from our capital...
illustration of computer and screwdriver with text reading system maintenance
Read article: Online training and testing closed for maintenance during September 2026
Online training and testing closed for maintenance during September 2026
The summer field season is underway and Illinois applicators and operators are doing what they do best!  With the training and testing season...
Downtown buildings in Cambridge, Illinois
Read article: Rural tourism that works starts with residents
Rural tourism that works starts with residents
In Henry County, tourism doesn’t belong to a single town. It is something communities are building together.As part of the Governor’s Rural Affairs...
thermometer
Read article: Stay cool and keep energy costs low
Stay cool and keep energy costs low
Trying to beat the summer heat while affording your utility bills can be challenging. According to the United States (U.S.)...
A corn field with clouds in the sky.
Read article: Using corn plants to make better fertilizer decisions
Using corn plants to make better fertilizer decisions
Illinois grain producers face a series of difficult and complex decisions each growing season. All these decisions can have a major impact on yields...
Two male deer with antlers standing in a landscaping bed of plants
Read article: Keeping deer out of the yard and garden
Keeping deer out of the yard and garden
If you are like me, you may enjoy watching deer browse in the forest. They are fascinating to observe and among the largest wild animals in Illinois...

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.