Blog Posts

Frost crack on apple tree branch
Read article: Exploding trees? A closer look at frost cracking
Exploding trees? A closer look at frost cracking
Exploding trees made quite a few headlines this past week when winter temperatures dropped across much of the country. While the claim of trees...
Group of people planting trees man planting in the foreground two more planting in the background
Read article: Celebrating Nature
Celebrating Nature
This week, we celebrate two holidays: Earth Day and Arbor Day. Although they were inspired by different moments in history, both share the purpose of...
  Ruby-throated hummingbird sipping nectar from a red tubular flower in soft bokeh light
Read article: More than feeders: Attracting hummingbirds to your landscape
More than feeders: Attracting hummingbirds to your landscape
As temperatures warm and spring progresses, our landscapes come alive. Plants resume growth and begin flowering, insects emerge, and hummingbirds...
Crocus flowers that have been damaged by cold temperatures.
Read article: Spring teases and freezes: How spring temperature swings affect plants
Spring teases and freezes: How spring temperature swings affect plants
Early spring often brings unpredictable weather, from 80-degree days to temperatures well below freezing. While many plants are adapted to...

News Releases

Tree Planting event with a group
Plant a tree in Woodford County, help the planet
Carlock, Ill. – Woodford County is looking for volunteers to help with planting a grouping of 25 oak trees at Parklands Chinquapin Bluffs in Woodford County with the goal of tackling global issues at the local level. Carbon neutrality...
Extension Forester Chris Evans shows off homemade maple syrup at a workshop.
Maple syrup workshop continues sweet tradition with tenth-annual event
SIMPSON, Ill. — Each February, local participants brave the cold to learn more about maple syrup production at an annual workshop at Dixon Springs Ag Center. The event is a fun day for the entire family, with a 4-H fundraiser pancake breakfast to start the morning and hands-on activities for...
A man leans on a tool outside by a tree surrounded by a group of people
Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
URBANA, Ill. — As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban...

Videos

Making Maple Syrup - A Basic Introduction

Explore the basics of all of the steps involved in making maple syrup as Extension Forester Chris Evans walks through the maple syrup production process at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois. 

Be Safe When Trimming Trees Near Power Lines

Trees and power lines often find themselves mingling together causing safety concerns and requiring a utility’s attention. Oftentimes people aren’t happy about what has to happen next. From funny shaped trees to proper trimming techniques to picking out the right tree to plant around lines, this...

Staff