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Explore Cicadas of Illinois

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2024 is a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois! Two broods will emerge at the same time throughout much of the state as soil temperatures reach 64 F. Besides the noise, which may be substantial, this large group of insects is harmless and can be appreciated and enjoyed by nature lovers of all ages. Learn about the timing, habits, and lifecycles of periodical cicadas and discover how periodical broods differ from Illinois' annual, or dog-day, cicadas.

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Plan Your Garden

Growing your own produce brings many rewards. Plan your garden space and find out when to plant your favorite vegetables and fruit in each Illinois plant hardiness zone.

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Grow Your Food Business

Learn about the laws, certifications, processes, and practices required to run a home-based cottage food operation safely and legally in Illinois.

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Spring Into Summer

Beat the heat this summer and learn how to help birds, plants, pollinators, trees, and gardens thrive with resources from our newest issue of Gardeners Corner.

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Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium

URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any…

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Learning and impact guide vision for University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan

URBANA, Ill. — A committed mission, a bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and an evergreen commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension’s new, 10-year strategic plan: “Lifelong Learning.…

Illini Science Policy Program scholars at Policy Summit

Illini Science Policy Program scholars participate in policy summit

URBANA, Ill. — Just a month into their placements, scholars from across Illinois in the University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program attended the second annual joint Policy Summit hosted collaboratively by Illinois Extension and the Center for Social and Behavioral Science.…

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