Reclamation programs help communities transition abandoned mines
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 140 years, coal mining communities in 72 Illinois counties have helped to power the state. As Illinois pursues energy transitions, coal power plants have downsized and closed, leaving mines abandoned and communities without avenues to replace lost tax revenue and...
Learn self-management skills for chronic health conditions
Ignoring a chronic condition will not make it go away, and suffering is a poor management technique. If you live with a long-term health condition, why not learn how to more effectively manage it and live an active and fulfilling life?
Although the specifics of managing each health...
Free learning experience offered in a take home kit
Isn’t it fantastic to know that University of Illinois Extension provides take home kits that inspire children to learn? The kits provide parents, caregivers,...
Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
4-H members in Illinois have joined the 6 million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 3-9. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers young people....
Prevent accidents by focusing on safety during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. – A long stretch of clear skies is great news for Illinois farmers who are busy clearing fields during the fall harvest. It also means they may be working long hours more days in a row, which can increase risks for burnout, injury, and stress.
“Farmers are in the field a...
Make way for farmers on rural roads during fall harvest
DECATUR, Ill. – Harvest season is here, and with it comes safety issues on rural roads. Whether operating farm machinery or a motor vehicle, adopt a “safety first” attitude when sharing roads. During the fall harvest, there are more slow-moving farm equipment on the roadways, creating...
4-H'ers across the state can soak up facts directly from a scientist
MARSHALL, Ill - Learning directly from the source of knowledge is a great way to engage young learners. An even greater way to captivate their attention is to do it live and allow them to ask questions.
4-H’ers across the state of Illinois can sign up to participate in Soak it up...
Proper maintenance extends lifespan, saves money on garden tools
URBANA, Ill. – One of the pricier expenditures for home gardeners is quality hand tools. High quality tools will last longer, but this does mean the tools — whether shovels, rakes, pruners, or hand trowels — cost more.
“Buy the best you can afford. Take care of your tools, and they will...
Healthy gardens start with sensible soil testing
URBANA, Ill. – As the growing season wraps up and gardeners put vegetable beds to rest and clean and store tools for the winter, there is one task they may be forgetting. Testing the soil’s nutrients can provide a better understanding of a garden’s health and save money in the long run.
...
Keep plants, pollinators happy with fall Gardening in the Air series
URBANA, Ill. — With the weather getting colder and the coming of fall, it’s important to know how to put your garden to rest and plan for the next growing season.
Learn how to support pollinators, grow vegetables and herbs in any size garden, and find and plant trees for long-term...
Extension work highlighted in recent Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are announcing the release of Illinois’ third Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report. The Report describes the...
Expand understanding of vital health topics with cutting-edge research
URBANA, Ill. – Evolving advancements in health sciences require a connection to focused research to help communities and professionals stay informed on emerging health topics, disease prevention practices, and diagnoses.
Dive deeper into specific health conditions, such as tinnitus...
Fall is for feathered friends, fireplaces
URBANA, Ill. – Birdseed and firewood are two common topics that show up every fall. Both take some planning to be successful.
“Feeding the birds means starting earlier than later,” says Richard Hentschel, University of...
Prevent your risk for diabetes before it’s too late
URBANA, Ill. — Six in ten people gained weight during the pandemic, according to an American Psychological Association study. The risk of developing pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes may increase with...
Help save lives, learn how to support mental health in farm, rural communities
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families pay a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. But a gap exists between agricultural workers and the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.
Ag producers,...
During harvest: Know and teach electrical safety on the farm
From dump truck driver to teenager, everyone should be aware of potential electrical hazards
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Harvest means long hours, increased stress, and tight schedules. Because of that, ...
Natural lawn care made easy with new eco-friendly guide
URBANA, Ill. – Every summer weekend, like clockwork, the roar of lawnmowers fills neighborhoods across the state as homeowners and landscape companies try to keep up with the never-ending chore that is lawn care.
...
New grant bolsters Illinois agriculture, rural mental health initiatives
URBANA, Ill. – Farmers are stewards of the soil, their livestock, and their crops, but caring for the land means they often do not take time to care for themselves. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are more common in agricultural populations than the general public.
With the Farm...
Some trees weather wet soils, floods better than others
URBANA, Ill. – The splendor of trees and shrubs comes from what is above ground, but don’t forget about what lies beneath. Poorly drained areas, easily identified after a downpour of rain, are not suitable for some trees or shrubs.
“Soil plays a vital role in the...