Tree series strives to teach proper care techniques to lengthen lifespan of Illinois trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are essential to nature’s landscape and our daily lives. Understanding and providing proper and routine maintenance is important to ensure their best life and healthier urban forest. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to be impacted through improved air...
Time to Thrive in 2025
As we step into 2025, it's the perfect moment to focus on holistic well-being. Thriving in the new year means embracing a balanced approach to physical, mental, and emotional health. Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator...
Sugar and spice make everything nice
URBANA, Ill. — Sugar and spice make everything nice, especially in holiday treats. But do you know where sugar and spice come from?Plants make the sugar glucose during the process of photosynthesis. Certain plants can take excess glucose, create sucrose, and then store it in either the...
Dig deeper into local agriculture at one of Illinois Extension’s Agronomy Summits
URBANA, Ill. — With the Midwest harvest season in the books and spring 2025 coming into view, plan to attend one of six University of Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits across the state. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts...
From Pollinators to Plants: Cultivate Your Gardening Expertise at Nursery School
The Quad Cities’ Premier Gardening Symposium!Get ready to dig into inspiration and knowledge at Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening, the 26th annual symposium hosted by University of Illinois Extension and our Master Gardeners. Whether you’re planting...
Managing Your Winter Landscape to Support Wildlife
Winter can be a challenging season for wildlife, but with thoughtful landscaping practices, homeowners can create spaces that nurture birds, insects, and other creatures. By providing food, shelter, and overwintering habitats, you can ensure your yard is a haven for wildlife while enriching your...
Discover practical tips for chronic disease management
URBANA, Ill. — Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to a diminished quality of life and emotional distress. Many individuals struggle daily with persistent discomfort that impacts their ability to work, engage in activities they love, and maintain relationships....
Candy jar terrariums: A nostalgic take on a holiday gift
URBANA, Ill. — Leaves and temperatures are falling. As we prepare landscapes and gardens for winter, look towards indoor plant care to warm the mood. Giving plants for the holidays brings a little sunshine and warmth to those near and dear.Impossible bottles or...
Add these garden tools to holiday wish lists
URBANA, Ill. — Gardeners love a fresh pair of pruners or nicely sharpened spade. Using specialized tools helps to lighten the workload, and using the right tool for the job can save a lot of time. Keep these ideas in mind when looking for innovative tools to add to gift lists throughout the...
Overwintering potted plants
URBANA, Ill. — Perennial plants being overwintered in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are some steps to try to get these plants through the winter and enjoy them again come spring....
Illinois Extension's health education transforms lives in Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — In line with Illinois' land-grant mission, University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, fosters knowledge, and builds partnerships to support individuals and communities. In 2023, the team members working in Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences program areas...
Savor the Season with Healthier Holiday Drinks
The holiday season is filled with gatherings, celebrations, and a touch of chaos. Why not bring a little calm—and a lot of flavor—to your festivities with these healthier holiday drink recipes? From cozy tea to indulgent chocolate, these beverages offer warmth and cheer without the guilt....
Enjoy the Magic of Natural Christmas Trees This Holiday Season
The National Christmas Tree Association reports that approximately 25–30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, offering families a sustainable and festive way to celebrate the season. Unlike artificial trees made from petroleum-based plastics, natural Christmas...
Give Your Holiday Cocktails a Healthy Twist
Holiday cocktails are a festive treat, but they can also pack a surprising calorie punch. By making a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy your favorite drinks with far fewer calories:Instead of Sprite (148 calories), mix with club soda (0 calories): Calories...
Illinois Extension Offers Make-and-Take Holiday Workshops for Youth and Adults
(MILAN, Ill.) Get into the holiday spirit with hands-on workshops hosted by University of Illinois Extension. These engaging events offer youth and adults the opportunity to explore their creativity as they celebrate the season making unique creations.4-H Gifts from the Heart:...
Understanding the Impact of Diabetes and Taking Control of Your Health
November is National Diabetes Month, a time to focus on the impact of diabetes and the steps you can take to protect your health. Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans—more than 37 million people—has diabetes? Closer to home, 13% of adults in our area live with...
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners celebrate 50 years of impact, momentum for future
URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois...
The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
