Governments look for ways to help small businesses
URBANA, Ill. - Community leaders across Illinois are working hard to adopt and overcome challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey conducted by University of Illinois Extension. Town, city, and county...
Growing irises: How to plant, grow and care for iris
URBANA, Ill. - There aren’t very many plants that come in a wider range of color than iris. In the past 50 years, thousands of cultivars in various colors, sizes, and forms have been developed.
"I have about 20 cultivars of bearded iris in my garden including a small white and lavender...
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,...
Flavor Your Summer with Backyard Basil
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing says summer like enjoying freshly harvested herbs from your garden or patio.
“One of the easiest, most prolific, and flavorful herbs to grow is basil,” says Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
While there are many...
Get Out on the Trails This Summer
BLOOMINGTON, IL – If you are feeling stress and anxiety from our new way of living, Vickie Robertson, a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist, says now is the time to get outside and walk some of our local trails and pathways, “enjoy nature and check out the living things below,...
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....
Illinois’ Movements for Monarchs
BLOOMINGTON, IL – May of each year is designated to honor our State Insect, the Monarch Butterfly. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, Kelly Allsup, says “Illinois residents should be worried about their state insect.” The yearly count of Monarchs decreased by 53% this past...
Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...
Master Gardeners helping the communities garden woes from home
BLOOMINGTON, IL – You have questions. We have answers! Master Gardeners are available to help you with your gardening questions. Problems with your yard or garden? Are you starting a new garden project and need some advice? Are pests or weeds concerning you?
Master Gardeners can...
Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.
The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...
Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows
URBANA, Ill. – As public health and government officials consider the next phase of managing the Coronavirus pandemic in Illinois, organizers of traditional summer events and activities are considering options. University of Illinois Extension, the...
Master Gardener Training Available Online
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension of McLean, Livingston and Woodford Counties is now accepting applications to participate in the Online Master Gardener Training Program. This online program allows volunteers to complete the training who may have been unable to in the past due...
Vegetable Variety Recommendations
BLOOMINGTON, IL – ‘Tis the season for the garden seed catalogues. These catalogues often advertise 15 varieties of watermelon, 50 varieties of peppers, and even more tomato varieties to choose from. “They all look amazing and are all claiming vigor, great flavor, and disease resistance—so which...
New website offers advice for feeding babies
URBANA, Ill. - Families with questions about safe and healthy practices for feeding infants now have a reliable source for answers. Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, a new website from ...
Improve your gardens: Four Seasons webinar offers tips
URBANA, Ill. - Extend the beauty and productivity of this year's garden. University of Illinois Extension horticulture experts have added five new offerings to the popular Four Seasons Gardening ...
Improve your health at home: Online Webinar
URBANA, Ill. - Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially as more of our time is spent at home. Learn healthful strategies for enriching your wellness journey over the next two months that can change your life. Free online webinars offered by ...
Practical community management practices for ticks and mosquitoes
URBANA, Ill. - Communities face challenges in the best practices to battle ticks and mosquitoes. Holly Tuten, associate scientist in vector ecology from the Illinois Natural History Survey, will provide...
University of Illinois Extension Office Hours Suspension Notice
UPDATED INFORMATION AS OF: 3.18.20
Event cancellation & suspended office hours’ notice: Livingston, McLean & Woodford Counties and Unity Community Center
The impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and...
Four Seasons Gardening Winter Webinar Series Underway
The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each season, the team hosts three live webinars participants can take from their own computers delivered via Zoom. The programs are free, but...