Illinois Master Gardeners announce new volunteer website
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners donated 189,392 hours across the state in 2019, answering questions, leading programs, and volunteering at community garden projects. These 2,719 garden enthusiasts of all ages volunteer at local Illinois Extension offices to...
Learn safe food handling, prep methods
URBANA, Ill. - Approximately one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne illnesses are not a minor inconvenience. In fact, the CDC estimates...
Get out of the sun with 5 ideas for backyard shade
URBANA, Ill. - Relaxing outdoors while surrounded by plants is a great stress reducer. As temperatures heat up, you can prolong your time outside by creating some shade in your yard.
"Shaded areas let you stay outside longer without getting exhausted from the sun,"...
Extension expands programming, continues virtual 4-H shows in August
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension will allow staff and volunteers to resume limited in-person gatherings in August, consistent with the public health and safety guidelines outlined in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois...
Rural Resilience virtual course gives farmers tools to manage stress
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life is stressful. Rural communities face unique mental health risks, but it can be hard to talk about it.
“I’ve heard stories of farmers who would drive three hours to a mental health seminar; not because there wasn’t one closer,” says...
Project learning never stops in 4-H
The Illinois 4-H youth development program empowers and prepares youth for success by providing opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship. Youth, organized in clubs,...
Homeowner’s guide to watering summer lawns
URBANA, Ill. – “To water or not to water the lawn” is a perennial discussion for homeowners says Richard Hentschel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture...
Extension to continue online events, 4-H shows in July
URBANA, Ill. – As the state of Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the coronavirus Restore Illinois plan, University of Illinois Extension continues to provide research-based educational programs for families, farmers, and businesses in formats that support public health and safety priorities....
At-home animal slaughter involves risk, challenges
URBANA, Ill. - Supply chain and distribution challenges are leaving producers stranded with animals ready for market but no place to go. Some may consider custom slaughter or butchering at-home as a way to relieve this pressure. While producers are able to slaughter their own animals, this...
Logan 4-H members qualify to compete at State Horse Contest
Logan County 4-H members recently competed in an online Regional Horse Hippology Contest and qualified to advance to the State Hippology Contest. Due to COVID 19 social distancing restrictions these contests are taking place ‘virtually’ in 2020.
For Hippology, participants...
Know your health insurance options if you lose your job
URBANA, Ill. - With businesses shutting down temporarily or scaling back staff, employees should consider the impact of layoffs on their health insurance coverage before their existing coverage ends to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.
"Health care coverage is critical...