Events

Blog Posts

Planting in tight spaces: trees for confined spaces
Read article: Planting in tight spaces: trees for confined spaces
Planting in tight spaces: trees for confined spaces
Trees are an essential element of a healthy, vibrant community. Trees, large and small, help clean our air, shade our landscapes, provide wildlife...
the base of a newly planted tree with fresh dirt
Read article: Ensuring the survival of newly planted trees: Essential care tips for the first three years
Ensuring the survival of newly planted trees: Essential care tips for the first three years
How do you take care of a newly planted tree?Lots of trees get planted in April, at least in Illinois. What follows is a ‘will they, won’t they…...
tree growing from the ground
Read article: Chinquapin Bluffs and Chinkapin Oaks on Arbor Day
Chinquapin Bluffs and Chinkapin Oaks on Arbor Day
Happy Arbor Day! This celebration began in 1872 as a day to plant and appreciate trees in the natural world around us. With over 150 years...
Potted plants await spring planting at the Missouri Botanical Garden nursery production area
Read article: Spring tree planting considerations
Spring tree planting considerations
Spring is a time of an awakening plant world full of blooms and endless possibilities for the coming growing season.  It’s a time that many of...

News Releases

A tree hedgerow growing tall and over crops in a farm field
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
A tree grows next to a street with exposed and damaged girdling roots
Don’t be stumped by tree problems
URBANA, Ill. — In urban settings like parks and yards, numerous challenges threaten tree health and longevity. Environmental or abiotic stressors are often the culprit, and as a tree’s health declines, it will become more susceptible to living or biotic organisms like pests or disease....
Group of adults and youth standing with shovels on grass
Ogle County 4-H plants trees
OREGON, Ill. - Illinois was once home to 14 million acres of trees, which included a unique ecosystem called an oak savannah. Now, the oak savannah is considered by the Illinois Forest Action Plan to be the most threatened plant community in the Midwest. A savannah is a plant community with...
Three buttons with butterfly, fish, and turtle on them.
Fourth annual NatureFest to take place April 26
DEKALB, Ill. - Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fourth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to...

Videos

Making Maple Syrup - A Basic Introduction

Explore the basics of all of the steps involved in making maple syrup as Extension Forester Chris Evans walks through the maple syrup production process at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois. 

Be Safe When Trimming Trees Near Power Lines

Trees and power lines often find themselves mingling together causing safety concerns and requiring a utility’s attention. Oftentimes people aren’t happy about what has to happen next. From funny shaped trees to proper trimming techniques to picking out the right tree to plant around lines, this...

Staff