Plant asters for unique display of fall color
URBANA, Ill. – Fall gardens may need some added pops of color this time of year to maintain beauty and diversity until winter arrives. Asters are a late-blooming, pollinator friendly flower that looks great in the garden and in a fall floral display.
“Think beyond the...
They thrash about and are here for your soil
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — They are here! They thrash side to side when threatened or touched by the unknowing observer.
Jumping worms have spread throughout our Central Illinois gardens and they could be in your backyard right now. Local...
Pollinators are celebrated at Yost House in Pontiac
An Oregon State University research study featured in Science Daily tracked butterfly abundance in Ohio over the last 20 years has discovered a 33% decline. We can only assume that in Illinois we have similar patterns...
Local Extension Master Gardener program offers hybrid training
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — For 46 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and countless volunteer hours logged by helping others learn to grow.
...
4-H Show time is here Woodford County!
EUREKA, IL – After such an unexpected year, we are happy to once again be in person for our 2021 Woodford County 4-H Show which runs July 26-29 at Farm Bureau Park in Eureka, IL. Our youth have been hard at work finishing up their projects and we are excited for everyone to come out to the show...
Livestock judging teaches decision-making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members were back in the showring for the 2021 State Livestock Judging Contest. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating...
Get a refresh and recharge on food preservation
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy your garden or farmers market produce all year long? Whether just starting out, or updating your food preservation knowledge, join University of Illinois Extension for a free, timely, seasonal program all about canning. You’ll learn the step-by-...
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...
