Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...
Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...
Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. – For those who live in a small town the benefits of small town living seem obvious. However it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
Youth-led initiative helps fight hunger through State Fair event
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the...
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
Teens take on new challenges as statewide healthy living ambassadors
Urbana, Ill. – Three Illinois teens stand ready to take on new challenges as they begin their work on the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador (HLA) team.The HLA team is comprised of teen 4-H members who were chosen for their ability to lead, mentor, and teach in order to inspire...
The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...
Bond County youth takes top honors at youth dairy contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The 2024 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program was held Aug. 18 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Eighteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois took part in the event to test their knowledge and...
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
Illini Science Policy Program scholars participate in policy summit
URBANA, Ill. — Just a month into their placements, scholars from across Illinois in the University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program attended the second annual joint Policy Summit hosted collaboratively by...
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
Extension empowers rural communities transition to sustainable energy sources with new program
URBANA, Ill. — Power is so readily available, literally at the flick of a switch, that it is all too easy to forget how this valuable resource arrives in our homes and businesses and where it comes from. Energy demands are increasing across Illinois, and communities have difficult...
