Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
Backyard landscape or garden got you stumped? Request advice from Master Gardeners
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – New gardeners and everyone discovering landscape issues or questions have a local source of assistance. Master Gardeners can help find answers to perennial questions like “What’s wrong with my tree?” or “How do I grow the best tomatoes?” Master Gardeners are trained by...
Youth public speaking contest builds self-esteem, leadership skills that last a lifetime
URBANA, Ill. – More than 75% of adults rank public speaking as their number one fear, but not 4-H members. 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Over 100 youth recently came together to put their public speaking...
Small bug, big risk: Protect yourself from ticks this summer
URBANA, Ill. — When venturing in the woods this summer, don’t forget to protect yourself from a small, but dangerous creature likely lurking in trees, grass, and bushes.
Ticks are easy to pick up when visiting grassy areas, woods, prairies, wetlands, deer trails, and brushy...
Teens find their voices in youth leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Five Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.
The team is comprised of 20 4-...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.
Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Extension financial program seeking volunteers to become Money Mentors!
Every one of us has experienced both financial gains and losses during our lifetime and this past year may have left you looking for a way to help and give back right here in your community.
If banking, savings, budgets, and credit are a few of your favorite topics, Extension’s offering...
Livingston County Master Gardener Help Desk Open
Pontiac, Ill. – New gardeners and everyone discovering landscape issues have a local source of assistance. Master Gardeners can help find answers to perennial questions like “What’s wrong with my tree?” or “How do I grow the best tomatoes?” Livingston County Master Gardener Help Desk will be...
Eat more fruits and vegetables with the help of your local farmers market
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – For Illinois residents who fall within the one in 10 American adults who don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, farmers markets offer the chance for consumers to up their fruit and vegetable intake while supporting local farmers....
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe....
Garden smarter, not harder: Free online Four Seasons Gardening series open
URBANA, Ill. – The growing season is in full swing and University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening summer series starting in June is here to help home gardeners be successful.
Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois...
Extension recognized for vital assistance to local governments, communities
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension continues to address the needs of Illinois communities affected by the pandemic, and its work is being recognized by the National Association for Community Development Extension Professionals...
Foundation awards $45,000 in 4-H youth scholarships
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were celebrated at a virtual ceremony April 10 where $45,000 in scholarships were awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation...
