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queen anne's lace and chickory
Read article: A late-summer look at Illinois roadsides
A late-summer look at Illinois roadsides
In 2017, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Rhonda Ferree shared a roadside inventory of late-summer flowers in her blog post,...
Natural Lawn Care
Read article: Managing lawns with ecology in mind
Managing lawns with ecology in mind
“Dad, why can’t we just have grass in our yard?” asked my 12-year-old son. His question has been bouncing around in my head for a few days now. ...
clump of grass with pink seed heads
Read article: Add a wispy pink statement grass to your home garden
Add a wispy pink statement grass to your home garden
When thinking about adding a pop of color to your garden, grasses probably aren’t at the top of your list. But think again! Pink Muhly, ...
silhouette of panic grass
Read article: Taking a closer look at the Panicum genus
Taking a closer look at the Panicum genus
Recently I led a three-day online course on grass identification. Thanks to those of you who participated! One of the things I focused on is how...

News Releases

a person's hand letting water trickle into a body of water with foliage in the background
Young Nature Enthusiasts Can Discover the Outdoors with Bond County 4-H
Bond County 4-H invites young nature lovers to explore the outdoors this fall through the Junior Master Naturalist Program.Starting Tuesday, September 29, youth will learn about Illinois' natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor experiences. Participants will join portions of...
Collage featuring Jenny Lee, the new horticulture educator, along with photos of Illinois Extension outreach, native plants, insects, and a gardening activity.
Jenny Lee transitions to Horticulture Educator role with Illinois Extension
MATTOON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Jenny Lee as the Horticulture Educator serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.In her new role, Lee develops and delivers educational programs that help individuals and communities create...

Videos

Ecology at Your Home

Remember back in grade school biology learning about things like the carbon cycle? How about evolution? Or even things like a predator-prey relationship? These are all important aspects of ecology that, when paired with a few design considerations, can teach everyone how to make any landscape an...

Native grasses and pollinators

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!

Staff