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extension.illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension
@extension.illinois.edu
270 followers 77 following 160 posts
Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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extension.illinois.edu
One of the largest gatherings for Midwestern forest landowners, the Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be March 7 in Dubuque, Iowa. Find details and sign up at the link. 
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring.
extension.illinois.edu
February 1, 2026 at 12:04 AM
extension.illinois.edu
If in need of renewal, don’t miss the nearest in-person pesticide applicator training session happening across the state through early April.

🔗 Simplified registration how-to: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2025-10-31-know-simplified-registration-and-licensure-process-2025-2026
A red agricultural sprayer applies pesticide to crops, with the title text reading Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing Now Available; Find training schedule and registration at go.illinois.edu/PSEP, Illinois Extension, and the orange University of Illinois logo.
January 31, 2026 at 3:02 PM
extension.illinois.edu
The northern harrier hangs out in grasslands and marshes and rarely perches higher than a fencepost. Its owl-like circular face gives this hawk a hearing advantage, but it's not particularly vocal.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild
A Northern Harrier hawk in flight with the text "Northern Harrier" and "Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension" displayed below.
January 30, 2026 at 2:33 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Read our latest blog to discover why rituals matter during tough times and get easy ideas you can start today.
👉https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2026-01-26-importance-rituals-and-routines-during-trying-times
Two women smiling in a kitchen, one sprinkling sugar over strawberries in a bowl. Text reads, "The importance of rituals and routines during trying times," with Illinois Extension logo.
January 30, 2026 at 12:02 AM
extension.illinois.edu
🍽️ Spaghetti squash offers a versatile, nutrient‑rich base for countless dishes — when you know how to handle it well.

🎥 Take a look and refine your approach to spaghetti squash.
https://extension.illinois.edu/videos/picking-preparing-and-storing-spaghetti-squash
A halved spaghetti squash with strands separated by a fork. Text overlay: "Picking, Preparing, and Storing Spaghetti Squash." Illinois Extension logo.
January 28, 2026 at 3:03 PM
extension.illinois.edu
🎙️ In this episode, “Prevent Falls with These 4 Tips,” we break down simple steps that make a big difference.

Give it a quick listen and help keep yourself or someone you love safer.
https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/wellness-wake-call/prevent-falls-these-4-tips
Wet floor sign on a wet pavement with text: "Prevent Falls with these 4 Tips." Illinois Extension logo and "Wellness Wake Up Call" badge.
January 25, 2026 at 3:02 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Can trees explode in subzero weather? When temps drop really cold, really fast, the outside of the tree contracts faster than the inside, creating an imbalance of pressure. BANG! That pressure release suddenly splits the tree vertically along its trunk, a phenomenon known as frost cracking.
Close-up of a tree trunk with visible frost crack. Text reads "Frost Cracking in Trees." Illinois Extension logo in the corner.
January 23, 2026 at 6:06 PM
extension.illinois.edu
What's in My Food? Decoding Chemicals and Safety. Discover how to decode food labels, bust myths, and take control of your plate.
Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. | Register at: https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-02-10-whats-my-food-decoding-chemicals-and-safety
A woman reads a food package in a grocery store. Text: "What's in My Food? February 10 at 10 AM, August 11 at 2 PM." Illinois Extension logo.
January 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Bats play a vital role in healthy ecosystems because they eat insects that are pests to people, trees, and crops. 

Explore how you can help support struggling bat populations with the Feb. 4 webinar Bats and Forest Habitat.
Bats and Forest Habitat
Bats play a vital role in healthy ecosystems, but many bat populations are struggling. They are essential to a healthy ecosystem, as they eat insects that are pests
extension.illinois.edu
January 22, 2026 at 12:27 AM
extension.illinois.edu
The Gateway Green Conference on March 4 in west central Illinois will help homeowners and professionals alike apply sustainable practices that support our future.

Learn more or register here: https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-03-04-2026-gateway-green-conference
Gateway Green Conference logo with leaves. Event details: March 4, 2026, 8 AM to 4 PM, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL. Hosted by Illinois Extension.
January 20, 2026 at 12:35 AM
extension.illinois.edu
Doing some bird watching this weekend? A winter visitor to Illinois, the dark-eyed junco spends its time in woodlands, fields, and at birdfeeders.  
The funky, fidgety wild bird of Illinois winters: Dark-eyed junco
Every year sightings of the first American Robin (Turdus migratorius) are hailed as the spring weather harbinger, but did you know we have a winter weather welcoming
extension.illinois.edu
January 17, 2026 at 2:29 PM
extension.illinois.edu
🤝Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. A new cohort of ACES faculty specialists graduating from Illinois Extension Academy are poised to build meaningful partnerships, spark new ideas, & bring research-driven solutions to Illinois communities.

✅Read More: https://go.illinois.edu/ExtAcademy2
A group of fifteen people, including ACES faculty and Extension and ACES leadership members, posing in front of a screen displaying "Extension Academy." Text reads: "We are intentionally strengthening our workforce so they can have an even greater impact in communities across Illinois."
January 16, 2026 at 12:01 AM
extension.illinois.edu
When snow hits, putting down salt keeps ice off roads. But that salt, 20M tons nationwide, also increases chloride levels in waterways.

Read for how you can help at home. 
Smart Solutions for Icy Roads: Reducing Winter Salt Impact
When the weather turns cold, windy, and snowy, many of us prefer to stay indoors and keep warm at home. However, for those who venture outside, clear and safe roads
extension.illinois.edu
January 14, 2026 at 11:57 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Big first‑year impact from Illinois Extension’s 10‑year strategic plan! Our year-one report is out — see how we're making progress to extend knowledge, build partnerships, and support people, communities, and the environment. Report here: https://go.illinois.edu/ExtImpactSP
Yellow bees and flowers in a circular pattern with the words "Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact" above and "Collaboration" below represent Illinois Extension's collaboration value in its Strategic Plan.
January 14, 2026 at 12:02 AM
extension.illinois.edu
A winter visitor to Illinois, the long-eared owl is a slender and secretive owl. Along with traditional hoots, this owl has some strange coyote-like barking calls.

Listen in and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or online at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild
Long-eared owl perched on a tree branch, with text overlay: "Long-Eared Owl", "Voice of the Wild", "Illinois Extension".
January 10, 2026 at 12:38 AM
extension.illinois.edu
A seasonal migrant to Illinois, the tiny northern saw-whet owl is easy to overlook from October to March.

Listen and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice or at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild/episode-40-northern-saw-whet-owl-voice-wild

#Birds #Conservation #WildLife
Northern Saw-Whet Owl perched on a branch. Text reads "Voice of the Wild" and "Illinois Extension" with the Illinois logo.
January 8, 2026 at 12:02 AM
extension.illinois.edu
With longer evenings, winter months are a great time to explore the night sky!

Bundle up and get ready for some stargazing to explore seasonal celestial favorites like the Orion constellation or Mars with a winter night sky tour at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4dO06DGhIs
Starry night sky with prominent constellations, including Orion with its three-star belt. A bright planet shines near the horizon.
December 14, 2025 at 1:48 AM
extension.illinois.edu
The tufted titmouse is a backyard favorite for birders. With its high, sweet song, a "peter peter peter" brings a touch of color to bird feeders with the rusty orange color under their blue-gray wings.

Learn more with the Voice of the Wild podcast or online at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
Tufted Titmouse perched on a branch, with "Voice of the Wild" and "Illinois Extension" text overlay at the bottom.
December 12, 2025 at 12:04 AM
extension.illinois.edu
Plan next year's crop with updates from Extension Agronomy Summit events, visiting a town near you this January and February.

🔗 Read about Agronomy Summit events and registration at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/illinois-extension-agronomy-summits-equip-farmers-strategies-year-ahead
Young soybean plants sprouting from the soil with roots visible, promoting Agronomy Summits, featuring logos for Illinois Extension and the University of Illinois's orange I-Block.
December 11, 2025 at 3:03 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Illinois Extension offers "Lessons for Living," a free webinar series that provides practical, easy-to-understand tips to help adults of all ages live healthier lives.
✅For more: https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/discover-practical-tools-healthy-inspiring-life
Three older women smiling and embracing, with the text "Lessons for Living" and "Illinois Extension" on a blue background.
December 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Tune in as we break down five powerful reasons why managing blood sugar is essential for your health and longevity.
🎧 Listen now: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/wellness-wake-call/5-reasons-get-blood-sugar-under-control
Close-up of a hand using a blood glucose monitor. Text: "5 reasons to get blood sugar under control." Illinois Extension logo.
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
extension.illinois.edu
In the Farmer Led Advances in Soil Health program, farmers lead soil health and water quality improvement efforts

More in the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy podcast: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/illinois-nutrient-loss-reduction-podcast/episode-77-batch-and-grow-farmer-led-advances
Podcast cover for "The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast" Episode 77, titled "Batch and Grow with Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH)," featuring a green field background and logos for Illinois Extension and Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
December 2, 2025 at 12:24 AM
extension.illinois.edu
A special dinner with family and friends is unforgettable, but safety makes it even better! 
We share 3 simple ways to safely defrost your frozen turkey and ensure your holiday feast is both delicious and worry-free.

✅https://extension.illinois.edu/turkey/thawing
Roasted turkey on a platter with citrus and herbs, featuring text: "3 Ways to Safely Thaw a Turkey." Illinois Extension logo present.
November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
extension.illinois.edu
The red fox sparrow is a winter visitor to Illinois that can be found in the woods or maybe at a bird feeder. 

Learn more on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms or online at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild
A reddish Fox Sparrow songbird perched on a wooden surface. University of Illinois Extension logo and Voice of the Wild logo.
November 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
extension.illinois.edu
Cozying up to the fireplace this weekend? 

Explore how to keep your home warm, seasoning and storing firewood, chimney safety, and more at https://extension.illinois.edu/firewood.
A cozy fireplace with bright orange flames dancing over stacked logs, with additional wood logs neatly piled to the right.
November 21, 2025 at 3:05 PM