Have you heard? We have officially launched our strategic plan!
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. Lifelong Impact.”
This plan is the culmination of many hours by many people, and we couldn't be more thankful for every single person who has participated by providing feedback, attending meetings, town halls, and engaging in this process with us.
To learn about the eight strategic priorities and how these will be carried out, please visit our strategic planning website. The link can be found in our bio.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: An illustration with books, hand shovels, beakers, a magnifying glass, and text that says "Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact."
“Is that a grass or a weed growing amongst the grass?”
The proper identification of weeds is the first step in effectively managing them.
Use the Identifying Turf and Weedy Grasses of the Northern United States identification guide from the Illinois Extension to expand knowledge and differentiate between turf and grassy weeds.
Get your copy at the link in our bio.
Keep an eye out for poison hemlock and wild parsnip, which are a threat to humans and animals. Both are common across Illinois and are in bloom this time of year.
• Poison hemlock is highly toxic. Ingestion can result in death for humans and animals. It has white, airy flowers and hollow, purple-spotted stems.
• The sap of wild parsnip causes skin blisters and burns 24-72 hours after sunlight exposure. It has yellow, airy flowers and singly pinnate leaves. It is a serious threat to grazing livestock.
Look for these tall, imposing plants in unmowed ditches, fence lines, and overgrown areas. When found, remove or destroy them following control recommendations.
Read more about identifying and controlling these two invasive plants at the links in bio.
#illinoisnature #invasiveplants #plantidentification
Screens are everywhere — but so are meaningful moments.
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering how much screen time is too much, you’re not alone. Excessive screen use can affect sleep, mood, school or work performance, and even how connected we feel to the people around us.
Our latest blog explores simple, enjoyable alternatives to screen time that help us unwind, reconnect, and rediscover fun in healthier ways.
💡 Ready for fresh ideas that bring more balance into your day?
Check out the full post and try a few new habits this week.
[LINK IN BIO]
The gleam of golden oyster mushrooms has become a bit tarnished as this fungus has started popping up outside farms and in forests across the Midwest. 🍄
These popular edible mushrooms are non-native and compete with beneficial native fungi, quickly growing on decaying trees and changing how the natural ecosystem works in ways scientists don't fully understand yet.
Learn more at the link in bio. Join the Everyday Environment and guest Aishwarya Veerabahu, a Botany PhD student at Univeristy of Wisconsin-Madison studying golden oyster mushrooms to learn more about preventing the spread.
#illinoisnature #invasivespecies #fungi #goldenoystermushrooms
Help older adults stay connected with quick reads on healthy living and fun activities to support cognition. Download the newest issue of the Quarterly Companion newsletter: [LINK IN BIO]
Ready to add a little sunshine to your garden? Mid-May is the perfect time to plant sunflowers, bringing bold summer color while giving bees and other pollinators a place to feed.
Click the link in our bio to learn more about this summer favorite 🌻
Are you planting sunflowers this year? Tell us your favorite variety in the comments!
Paying attention to what invasives are on your property and actively working to remove them can help slow the spread of invasives. Learn from Chris Evans with @uieforestry about species to prioritize and tools that can help.
Explore more about invasives with Everyday Environment at the link in bio.
#Invasive #illinoisnature
Illinois Extension's Carissa Nelson and Mynda Tracy receive Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award 🏆
Fifteen academic professionals and civil service staff members received the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award recognizing exceptional performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Read the link in our bio for more on our award winners!
The use of drones in agriculture has steadily gained traction, particularly in the application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
June 5, 8:30 AM to 3 PM, Agriculture Drone Education Day, Georgetown
Attendees can learn more at a field day-style event exploring the key benefits and challenges of using spray drones in agriculture.
The free event will feature educational presentations on drone features, hauling, safety, insurance, regulations and state requirements, equipment demonstrations, and a networking session with industry professionals.
There is no cost or registration required to attend. Lunch will be provided. Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Units will be available at the end of the event for qualified individuals.
🔗 Get right to event details and contacts at the link in bio.
The 2026 drone event partners include: University of Illinois Extension, Hunsinger Ag Solutions, ProHarvest Seeds, Agri Spray Drones, Hefty Seed Company, and Flightline Assurance.
When heading into the great outdoors, plan ahead and check for ticks afterward!
Tick activity has been higher than usual this spring, according to reports from the Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois Department of Public Health.
To avoid ticks:
• Use insect repellent.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts/pants.
• Wear a hat and pull back hair into a ponytail.
• Avoid deer trails and tall grassy areas.
• Check clothing and pets upon returning home.
If you are bitten:
• Remove the tick as soon as possible.
• Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it out with steady pressure.
• Clean the bite area with disinfectant.
• Take a picture of it and then flush the tick down the toilet or freeze it in a plastic bag for future identification.
• Check with your doctor if symptoms such as a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms appear.
Learn more about ticks at the link in bio.
From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts.
Learn how to manage invasive plants in a two-day program with a day of online learning on June 9 and a hands-on field day at one of seven statewide sites from June 10-12.
Regional field days are available in Kane County, Montgomery County, Calhoun County, Livingston County, Pope County, McDonough County, and Champaign County.
In-person spots are limited; sign up at the link in bio.
#illinoisnature #invasivespecies
![Screens are everywhere — but so are meaningful moments.If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering how much screen time is too much, you’re not alone. Excessive screen use can affect sleep, mood, school or work performance, and even how connected we feel to the people around us.Our latest blog explores simple, enjoyable alternatives to screen time that help us unwind, reconnect, and rediscover fun in healthier ways. Ready for fresh ideas that bring more balance into your day?Check out the full post and try a few new habits this week.[LINK IN BIO]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727275721331816281469_0_d67f951ac5be2688f6d5064b81be2183.jpg?o=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&h=978aba9708d3f177eb0d7ffc0eaf7552)
![Help older adults stay connected with quick reads on healthy living and fun activities to support cognition. Download the newest issue of the Quarterly Companion newsletter: [LINK IN BIO]](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6727424928676863474560_0_cc55d296169912067d95eb112eee7f40.jpg?o=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&h=36463bb9f549fce44e87c7a101900c5f)
