Local Climate Stewards can lead to big changes with new environmental program
URBANA, Ill. — Climate change is a complex global challenge, but local action has an important role in empowering communities and building resiliency. The new University of Illinois Extension Climate Steward course trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in...
As climate change impacts the world, community science project focuses on community-level data
URBANA, Ill. — “Nice weather we’re having.” “Looks like rain.” “Can you believe how cold it is?” Whether the skies are clear, or a storm is incoming, people pay attention to the weather. It prompts how we dress, where we go, and our plans for the day. We can’t control it, and it is one thing we...
Watershed volunteer program makes waves with new pool of environmental stewards
URBANA, Ill. — Water moves us. Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. Everyone on the planet is affected by this vital...
Take steps to address climate change at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in a...
Adventures await in Naturalist Core Education program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension's Naturalist Core Education Training is designed for adults of any age who love to learn about the natural world. The goal of the program is not to teach people everything there is to know about the...
Meet the challenge of heavier spring rains with climate series for farmers
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends are changing. Be prepared for how it can affect your farming operation with expert updates from University of Illinois and Purdue University. The bi-state climate webinar series brings together university experts and resources from...
Weather a changing climate on the farm now and in the future
URBANA, Ill. — The only thing certain about modern farming is that things are always changing, and today’s weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Growing seasons are shifting, and extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common....
Stretch your roots this winter with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Explore how to keep your green thumb growing this winter with Four Seasons Gardening webinars.
University of Illinois Extension experts will share tips for starting...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...
Illinois at increased risk of drought conditions
Parts of northeast, western, and central Illinois have been much drier than normal in the past four to six weeks, causing dry soils and lower streamflow. Perennials, gardens, and young trees in these areas have begun to show some response to the dryness, requiring more frequent watering than...
Climate change may confuse plant dormancy cycles
URBANA, Ill. – Perennial plants in the Midwest are well attuned to their surroundings. They hunker down all winter in a dormant state, just waiting for a sign that it's safe to unfurl their first tender leaves or flower buds. For many plants, the cue is a sustained warming trend, but day length...