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Explore Cicadas of Illinois
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.
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.
Springtime Brings Growth
Kick off the spring season by learning about cicadas, replacements for invasive trees, and steps to take to prepare for days spent outdoors.
Farmers share real-life experiences of using edge-of-field conservation practices
GALESBURG, Ill. — When it comes to farming, experience is often the best teacher. This June, producers can get answers to their questions about installing edge-of-field conservation practices by connecting with farmers who have first-hand knowledge at the Cultivating Conversations: How and Why…
Explore how starting at the soil can strengthen production at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
URBANA, Ill. — Soil health and quality play a significant role in the nutritional value of pastures and cover crops, determining grazing strategies and sustainability. Attending the University of Illinois Extension Dudley Smith Farm Field Day this summer will help producers break down soil…
Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in collaboration with the lab of Carena…
Voice of the Wild
