Bloom in the winter with gift of amaryllis bulb kit
URBANA, Ill. — The gift of gardening is an experience anyone can appreciate this holiday season. Take the stress out of shopping this holiday season and give a blooming amaryllis kit that brings the beauty of nature indoors.
Poinsettias are beautiful, popular holiday plants, but the gift...
Dig in with confidence with spring vegetable gardening workshops
URBANA, Ill. — Growing a vegetable garden takes work, but sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. Grow with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series from University of Illinois Extension that explores everything from seeds and soil to a...
4-H youth showcase agricultural excellence at national competition
Louisville, KY – 4-H youth headed to the North American International Livestock Exposition to compete in educational contests held as a part of the exposition held Nov. 2-16 in Louisville.
The expo drew more than 27,000 livestock entries from...
Illinois 4-H teams make history in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. -- Illinois 4-H had a record-breaking day at the North American International Livestock Exposition. For the first time ever, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H Quiz Bowl. For the second year in a row, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H...
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. -- Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Certified Food Protection Manager course coming to Eureka
EUREKA, Ill. – Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. University of Illinois Extension offers the Food Protection Manager Certification course and examination, which is required every 5 years. University of...
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8.
The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
Join the fun at Extension’s Diabetes Clinic holiday party
EUREKA, Ill. – Learning about our health can be a challenge to add to busy schedules. Hit pause and join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, for the final diabetes clinic class of the year. The diabetes clinic holiday party will meet from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on...
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and...
Extension’s diabetes clinic finds the fuel to fight cancer
EUREKA, Ill. – Food is one tool to support cancer prevention, treatment, and care. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to discuss the research on how foods may reduce your risk of cancer and ways to incorporate nutrition to help manage side effects of...
Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
CHICAGO, Ill. — Jack-o’-lanterns live a short, scary life. That is unless they are catapulted, hurled, or whacked into a compost pile after spooky season is over.
Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins after the holiday at one of more than a dozen University of Illinois...
U of I Extension, Rader Farms to host pumpkin smash & composting event to help fight climate change
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Halloween night may be filled with frights, but garbage day is where the real horror lurks. Discarded by the 1,000s, decaying jack-o-lanterns and rotting pumpkins are hauled off to landfills by the truckload. Every year, masses of orange flesh pile-up and break-down in our...
Livingston County Master Gardener receives state awards
PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate Livingston County Master Gardener, Diana McGuckin, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on...
McLean County Master Gardeners receive state award
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate McLean County Master Gardener, Julie Murphy, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference and awards ceremony on Friday,...
Youth put archery skill mastery to the test
PEKIN, Ill. — Illinois youth gathered at a statewide competition on Sept. 16 to put their skill mastery in archery to the test. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun.
“I know at first it appears odd to have...
McLean County youth named national award winner
WASHINGTON, DC — National 4-H Council today announced the winners of the 2024 Youth In Action Awards, a national program sponsored by Bayer that recognizes four diverse young leaders who have made a positive impact in their communities. McLean County 4-H youth, Avani Rai, 17, was named a 2024...
Report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Experts confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on September 18 according to a...
