Watering trees, shrubs in the fall and winter is a balancing act
URBANA, Ill. – After this year’s summer drought in Illinois, it is more important than ever to monitor soil moisture conditions and water trees and shrubs going into winter. Drought conditions in the late fall, along with dry air and low soil moisture, can lead to plant damage if no supplemental...
Demographic changes result in increasing diversity in Illinois, new data presents
URBANA, Ill. — How do we determine the best ways for community and economic development in Illinois? How do you know what to vote for in the upcoming elections? The best place to start is in understanding demographic composition.
The 2020 decennial census revealed that...
Keep worms warm for winter vermicomposting
URBANA, Ill. – Vermicomposting or vermiculture, which is also known as worm farming, is the practice of keeping worms to produce worm castings or vermicompost. Vermicomposting is a natural process where worms digest organic matter and produce a waste product that is high in plant-available...
Grub attack could be just under the surface
URBANA, Ill. – Hundreds of dead and dying grubs littered the dirt Chicago sports field once covered in grass. Nancy Kreith, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator...
Bring homegrown foods to the table this Thanksgiving
Bring homegrown foods to the table this Thankgiving
URBANA, Ill. – Celebrating the year’s harvest with a Thanksgiving feast has been an American tradition for more than 400 years. Whether homegrown or from a farmers market, the demand for locally sourced foods is on the rise.
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Restore wildlife, prepare for spring with winter Gardening in the Air series
URBANA, Ill. — As the cold weather sets in, it's time to move indoors. Learn how to take care of houseplants, protect wildlife, and prepare for spring gardening trends in Gardening in the Air, a webinar series offered by...
Shared space: $10 million grant examines how crops, solar can occupy same space
URBANA, Ill. — Some view crops and solar panels as competitors for prime real estate. A 4-year, $10 million dollar grant awarded to University of Illinois' Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment will design "agrivoltaic...
Orr Beef Research Center Field Day features latest beef cattle research
URBANA, Ill. – Research from University of Illinois can help producers lower costs and improve the health, breeding, and nutritional needs of their cattle herds. The latest research in feed, disease, and health management will highlight this year’s...
Keep pharmaceuticals out of local waterways with drug take back day
URBANA, Ill. – That expired bottle of pills sitting at the back of the medicine cabinet was once useful, but now it’s just taking up space. The question is – what do you do with it? Flush it? Throw it away?
Either choice puts drugs into nearby rivers or lakes putting the environment,...
Your thoughts needed in Bushnell meetings
What do you think about Bushnell? Your thoughts on employment, recreation/activities, education, housing, and healthcare is exactly what the City of Bushnell and University of Illinois Extension...
Teacher Tuesdays offers virtual STEAM resource fair for educators
PEKIN, Ill. - Good educators are some of the most valuable assets in our community. For over five years, Teacher Tuesdays has sought to provided support, encouragement, and connection to these educators. This year, Teacher Tuesdays will kick off its series of engaging workshops and professional...
Don't rake fall leaves, recycle them
URBANA, Ill. – Every fall, an onslaught of leaves drop relentlessly into yards leaving homeowners to rake, bag, and haul them out on the curb. But what many don’t know is that those golden-hued leaves are gold in the garden.
“After raking leaves this fall, think about recycling them on...
