4-H youth space dream becomes reality
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Dreams do come true, and for one Illinois 4-H youth, that day came March 14 as Krish Nangia of Naperville witnessed an experiment he helped create launched into space from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The dream started in 2022 as 4-H youth...
Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.
Learn...
5 takeaways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion in watershed management
URBANA, Ill. – Achieving clean water goals requires the inclusion of diverse views and considering the equity of impacts and solutions; yet, underrepresented communities don’t always have a voice in watershed planning efforts.
At a symposium as part of a 2022 Climate Intersections...
Grow confidence when choosing seed packets for your garden
URBANA, Ill. — When planning a garden, seeds are an inexpensive investment when compared to buying plants. Gardeners have three basic seed selection choices: hybrid, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds. What is the difference?Hybrid seeds, also called F1 hybrids, are developed by plant...
How have Illinois soils changed over 120 years? U of I scientist needs your help
URBANA, Ill. – When he heard an old barn on the University of Illinois campus was scheduled for demolition, soil scientist Andrew Margenot went to investigate. Inside, on dusty shelves, he discovered a time capsule in the form of thousands of jars of soil from around the state, some dating as...
Illinois Extension to create holistic regenerative ag course
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ agriculture industry is rooted in its soil. Now, University of Illinois Extension is continuing to invest in the earth by developing a regenerative agricultural program to bring healthy soil practices to farms and gardens statewide.
The North Central Region...
Growing a community: Garden at Zion Benton Township High School fosters connection
ZION, Ill. – Up until now, the Zion Benton Township High School Community Garden has been one of Lake County’s best kept secrets as the only one of its kind. Conceived by a National Honor Society senior project, and born during the pandemic, the community garden promotes diversity and student...
Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Help begins at Extension's front door
URBANA, Ill. – Office support staff in local Extension offices connect residents with resources to solve their problems. These staff are often the first people the public meets at the local office and the voice they hear on the phone.
University of Illinois Extension recently...
McHenry County 4-H Members Plant Oak Trees
On April 9, 2022, twelve McHenry County Extension 4-H members and parents assisted the McHenry-Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) with planting 25 oak trees at the Headwaters of the Kishwaukee River in Woodstock, IL. The trees were provided through a partnership with...
McHenry County Gardenfest Brings Spring on April 9
(WOODSTOCK, Ill. – ) Cure cabin fever and earn your green thumb at the annual McHenry County Gardenfest. Come learn about new garden trends, plants, and techniques at this day-long series of garden-related seminars and workshops.
...
Quarterly Companion is a helping hand for aging well.
Quarterly Companion is a helping hand for aging well. If you know an older adult in your life who is homebound or missing a family or caregiver support network, print and share this free resource with them! Each issue includes quick reads on nutrition, family, and financial topics. Download the...
Farm Stroll 2021 Offers Tours of 12 Small Family-Owned Farms
Woodstock, Ill. – Come out for a day in the country! On Sunday, Sept. 26, McHenry County will host its annual Farm Stroll, a self-guided tour of the county’s diversified family farms. A total of 12 farms will be part of this educational agriculture-centric tour. Fruit and vegetable growers,...
Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference goes virtual on June 9 & 10.
ST CLOUD, Minn. (4/30/2020) —Learn the latest information in dairy nutrition and management by attending the virtual 2021 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference on June 9-10. The new format is designed to improve the participant experience.
June 9 and 10 will feature live...
McHenry County Extension Master Gardeners Grow Produce ‘for Good’
(WOODSTOCK, Ill. – ) As the fruit and vegetable growing season begins, University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners are finding ways to volunteer “virtually” and donate food from their home gardens to fight food insecurity issues in McHenry County.
The mission of the...
McHenry County Extension Master Gardeners Launch Seed Library
(WOODSTOCK, Ill. – ) Ever heard of a Seed Library? Much like borrowing a book, gardeners can “borrow” seeds in the spring with the promise of collecting seeds from mature plants and “returning” those seeds in the fall.
The University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners...
