Illinois 4-H members engage with federal officials in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Youth delegates from across the country came together to participate in round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies at the National 4-H Conference held April 14-19. Following the conference,...
Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by building...
Illinois SNAP-Ed: 3 years of positive impact in communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois SNAP-Education provides community-based nutrition education to individuals and families eligible for SNAP benefits and collaborates with communities and local partners to make...
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, communities
URBANA, Ill. – The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation.
There is...
Youth leaders represent 4-H at Agriculture Legislative Day
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Youth Leadership Team represented Illinois 4-H at the Agriculture Legislative Day held in Springfield March 29. Agriculture Legislative Day allows farm and agricultural...
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 best...
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 honored two...
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 the...
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.
Gardenfest 2022 will be held April 9...
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,...
