Latest news with #IllinoisExtension
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How to manage the spread of invasive species in Central Illinois:
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Invasive species can present a danger to native plants and animals, but the Illinois Extension at the University of Illinois said there are ways to prevent them from spreading further. According to the Illinois Extension, Illinois ranks 5th in the U.S. for invasive species introductions. Non-native plants, animals and insects can spread quickly, and once they are established, they can be difficult to get rid of. Invasive plant species to look out for in Central Illinois Here are some simple solution — that anyone can use — to help slow the spread of invasive species in Illinois: Clean boots, boats, and other gear between sites (tiny invasive species can hitchhike) Avoid sharing landscape plants with other gardeners, source plants from trusted nurseries Become familiar with the invasive species in your area and find out which ones to keep an eye out for Do not move firewood Do not harvest plants if you do not know what they are Do not release exotic pets into the wild. Some of Illinois' most 'unwanted' invasive pests include the Spotted Lanternfly, the Red Imported Fire Ant and the Giant Hogweed. You can read about these invasive species and more here. To find out more information about managing invasive pests and plants in Illinois, visit the Illinois Extension online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
U of I Extension hosting annual agriculture contest for high school students
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a contest for high school students interested in a career in agriculture, specifically within the agronomy sector. It's the Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition. The one-day contest tests students on topics like weeds, insects, disease identification, corn and soybean growth stages, pesticide application, and integrated pest management. From the Farm: USDA Planting Intentions Report It will take place Aug. 4, and will be open to 10 high school teams. 'It's exciting when youth and teams return year after year wanting to place higher or earn more points at a certain station,' Meagan Diss, competition coordinator and commercial ag specialist with Illinois Extension, said. 'That truly shows the impact of the event and dedication the youth have to keep growing.' University staff will judge the students to determine results, and the top four teams will win cash prizes sponsored by industry and university partners — $500 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third and $100 for fourth. In addition, the top two teams will advance to represent Illinois at the regional competition hosted this year in Iowa. Millikin University, Illinois Central College streamline transfer process 'University researchers and Extension experts always look forward to the annual event for the conversations and questions youth bring with them,' Diss said. 'It's truly an unmatched experience for networking, educational opportunity, and personal growth while having fun.' The competition will be open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 in the spring 2025 semester. Official teams include two to five students and an adult coach. Teams are encouraged to sign up prior to the end of the current school year, as space is limited to 10 total teams. For event details or to register teams, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign volunteers leap into action with FrogWatch training
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — It's springtime, which means we'll soon see plenty of birds in the sky, but also some amphibians in the ponds. The University of Illinois Extension hosted a FrogWatch training class today. The community science program teaches volunteers how to collect scientific data on frogs and toads. It helps scientists nationwide improve and monitor conservation practices. When should I clean up my garden? Illinois Extension has answers: Extension educator Karla Griesbaum said the class learned different frog sounds. 'A big part of this training was to practice all these calls,' Griesbaum said. 'There are 12 in this area. And so we went through each call, we worked on using all of your senses in order to recognize each call and to differentiate them. And then they had to take an assessment at the end to see if they remembered them all today. But then they can also go online later after practicing and do it then as well.' 34 people showed up, with more participating online. Griesbaum said if you missed today's class, the online option is always open. They will also host another field training on June 4th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
