Central IL Modern Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency Series ContinuesThe "Modern Homesteading & Self-Sufficiency" workshop series was launched by the University of Illinois Extension staff in Bloomington, Illinois on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:00-7:30 PM at the McLean County...

Trees in neighborhoods enhance our environment by creating beautiful green landscapes, providing climbing fun for kids, and offering us shade on sunny days. More importantly, trees play vital roles in our ecosystems, including storing carbon, which is advantageous when discussing the management of...

The next installment of my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Panter Ridge Farms, owned and operated by Ashley and Nathan Hodel. Their farm, in El Paso, IL, spans 23 acres and is surrounded by the rolling hills and valleys of the Mackinaw River watershed.   Ashley and...

July is the perfect summer month.  As a kid it was a month with no schoolwork, my favorite summer camp, and many days spent outside in the sun.  From playing in the backyard and visiting parks with friends, to days at the community pool, one of my favorite feelings was coming home and...

Around the world we see countries tapping into renewable energy as sustainability and innovation are becoming higher priorities. Investing in research on how we can better care for our earth and utilize renewable energy can reshape our lives for a cleaner and brighter future. However, the rate...

Fall-blooming plants help prolong the beauty of our gardens even after most plants have faded or finished blooming for the year. They provide a vital food source for pollinators that are still active, foraging to prepare for the winter when fewer flowers are in bloom. Both annual and perennial...

Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Kickstart Your Modern Homesteading AdventureHave you ever wanted to learn how to do any of the following?Make sourdough breadFerment vegetablesKeep bees or chickensCompost kitchen and yard wasteGrow better vegetablesStart a small family orchardParticipate...

Growing up, my family raised Holstein cattle, which my siblings and I have grown to love. Although this is a well-known dairy breed, my family did not raise Holsteins for milk; instead, my father raised bull calves from a few days old up to slaughter weight for beef production.  Most of the...

The stream water quality monitoring season may be ending, but it remains important to understand how we monitor our streams.   From May 1 to the end of June, River Watch volunteers from across the state wade into planned water sites to collect data on the stream’s appearance, turbidity,...

The soothing floral fragrance of lavender is easily recognized in any garden. Its silvery, serrated foliage and bluish-purple flowers both contain scented oil glands, making it uniquely fragrant. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the floral scent and prominent levels of nectar in the...

Succulents are among the easiest plants to grow, having adapted to hot, dry conditions by having the ability to store and conserve water in their fleshy stems and leaves. Whether you are looking to brighten up your home with a few potted succulents or create a stunning outdoor succulent garden,...

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The next stop in my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Garden Gate Farm in Fairbury, Illinois, to talk to the Rinkenberger family. On the way up the driveway, I smelled freshly blooming lilacs, saw a handful of pigs in their pen, witnessed many vegetable...

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Eliminating honeysuckle from Hedge Apple Woods has been a persistent challenge. However, this invasive shrub is not the only species causing issues as wintercreeper has also invaded certain areas in Hedge Apple Woods. Jack Muirhead, Master Naturalist and project liaison for the...

  Shiitake mushrooms are a world-renowned delicacy that are beloved by food enthusiasts. Their rich, earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture make them a sought-after ingredient in countless dishes. But did you know that you can easily cultivate these gourmet mushrooms in your...

Vines add height and color to a garden by elegantly climbing an arbor or trellis, creating a lush green backdrop to the space. If you would like to add height to your garden quickly, along with interesting and colorful flowers, consider planting annual flowering vines. All these vines are easily...

As the gardening season approaches, many gardeners are starting to think about potential changes to their landscaping or flower beds to make them more eye-catching or easier to maintain. Consider adding ornamental grasses to your landscape to captivate your garden visitors while establishing a...

Many indoor gardeners find that just one houseplant is simply not enough. What starts as an admiration of a cute or quirky plant, quickly develops into a desire (or even need!) to fill every nook and cranny of your house or office with something green and growing. An easy and economical way to...

Enhance Your Garden with Edible Landscaping Shrubs  The integration of edible landscaping shrubs into Bloomington-Normal area gardens, sidewalk strips, fence lines, and elsewhere can add beauty, ecological function, and food security to our area. Four standout shrubs should...

The kitchen is often the heart of every home. Whether it is time spent there preparing a family-favorite recipe, sitting around the table with loved ones, or resting at the counter as you enjoy a hot cup of coffee and read the morning news, many memories are made there, and countless hours are...