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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 1d

By tagging, radio-collaring and collecting samples from 1,600+ coyotes, scientists with The Urban Coyote Research Project in Chicago know more about their activities and how to coexist with them

Explore more in the Everyday Environment blog and podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

A coyote walks along a suburban street with the text "Living with coyotes" and logos for Illinois Extension and Everyday Environment.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 1d

When it comes to managing invasive species, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. A new Extension course gave people hands-on experience at local field days.

More at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/online-and-ground-new-program-empowers-illinois-communities-tackle-invasive-species

A man in a white shirt and baseball cap uses a drip torch to ignite a controlled burn in a forested area, while another man observes.

A group of people, wearing hats and casual outdoor clothing, gather around a person demonstrating a plant measurement tool in a lush, wooded area.

A group of people seated on grass, attentively watching a man demonstrating equipment in a park, surrounded by trees and parked cars.

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 2d

See a holey tree? You might have a yellow-bellied sapsucker to thank! These woodpeckers tap into trees to drink the sap and any insects that come along as they migrate through Illinois or overwinter here.

Learn more with the Voice of the Wild podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 8d

From bass to blue gill, Illinois state-run hatcheries raise fish so they can be released to support natural populations that may be struggling.

Explore more in the Everyday Environment blog and podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment with Kayleigh Smith from @illinoisdnr.bsky.social

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 8d

Not all fall-blooming flowers are to blame for seasonal allergies. If you're sneezing, ragweed and its airborne pollen are likely the culprit, but showy goldenrod blooms often get accused.

Learn more https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-10-21-autumn-allergies-dont-blame-goldenrod

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 9d

Seeing starlings? These non-native invasive birds start to gather in the fall, with roosts as large as tens of thousands. Their large flocks often fly in synch – called mumuration – twisting into different shapes across the sky.

Learn more https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/european-starlings

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 10d

A charismatic, bold bird, the blue jay has a lot to say! This easily identifiable bird is common in towns, especially those with oaks that produce their favorite food – acorns!

Learn more with the Voice of the Wild podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

A blue jay holding an acorn in its beak, with text overlay reading "Blue Jay" and "Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension."

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 10d

Go from "yup, that's a tree" to "that's a white oak!" with the Forest Trees of Illinois field guide.

Get a better understanding of almost 150 native and introduced tree species with this guide available to purchase at https://go.illinois.edu/ForestTreesIL

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 15d

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam! 🎵 Good thing there is a place in Illinois for the American bison, AKA the buffalo, to graze on restored tall grass prairies, including the Nachusa Grasslands.

Explore more with Elizabeth Bach from @nature.org at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

A bison grazes in a prairie with purple flowers under the text: "More than grass: The restoration of Illinois prairies."

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 15d

Today, we're excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Vann as Illinois Extension’s new Associate Dean & Director!
“Together, we will chart a bold, responsive path forward — rooted in listening, innovation, and a deep belief in Extension’s power to improve lives,” says Vann.

Smiling man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a blue quilted vest over a light blue shirt, standing outdoors.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 18d

While the chirp of the fall field cricket is just background noise when outside, anyone who’s had one drawn to the warmth of their garage or home can tell you they are very loud…and very hard to find.

Learn more with the Voice of the Wild podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

Close-up of a Fall Field Cricket on a textured surface. Text reads "Fall Field Cricket" and "Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension."

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 23d

Does that baby bird need help, or is it fine? Knowing when to help wildlife and when to step back can be hard.

Find out what to do in the latest Everyday Environment blog and podcast with guests from the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

A gloved hand holds a baby opossum. Text reads, "When should you rescue a wild animal?" with Illinois Extension and Everyday Environment logos.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 23d

A third of Illinois is in at least moderate drought, with conditions intensifying and nearing record levels in parts of southern and central Illinois.

Find drought updates from the Illinois State Climatologist at https://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisDrought

U.S. Drought Monitor map of Illinois for September 9, 2025, shows varying drought conditions, from abnormally dry to extreme drought, mostly in the southern and central regions.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 24d

The round-tipped cone head is a katydid that will start singing their buzzy call starting in mid-August until frost hits.

Learn more about nature calls with the Voice of the Wild podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms or online at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

Close-up of a Round-Tipped Conehead insect with text "Round-Tipped Conehead" and "Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension" below.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · 29d

A turtle's shell protects it from a lot, but not a car. It's a hard truth that roadways split up habitat, pollute the environment, and lead to costly collisions for people and wildlife.

So what can we do? Learn more with Everyday Environment at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

A turtle on a road with text: "Illinois Extension. Roadkill: The hidden toll of roadways. Everyday Environment."

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Sep 5

Love that nighttime summer chorus of insects and frogs? The lesser anglewing's short, raspy rattle can be heard in the mix, calling from the tops of trees.

Learn more with the Voice of the Wild podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or online at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

A green lesser anglewing katydid on tree bark with the text "Lesser Anglewing, Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension" overlaid.

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Sep 1

How do you study something you can't see?

Environmental DNA is giving scientists new insights into wildlife by collecting their genetic material from the water, air, and soil.

Explore more with conservation biologist Mark Davis at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Sep 1

Is the Illinois electrical grid resilient?

Don't be in the dark about our state's power needs, goals, and community-driven solutions. Sign up for free for the webinar Building a Resilient Illinois Energy Grid at noon on Sept. 16 at https://go.illinois.edu/ResilientCommunities2025.

Electric transmission towers against a sunset sky with text "Resilient Communities" and "Illinois Extension" on a blue background.

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 29

The Midwest is home to 12 common katydids. The latest episode of the Voice of the Wild podcast is your key to katydid calls!

Check out the Voice of the Wild podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms or online at https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 25

Quail used to be common across Illinois, but in a story that's similar to many other wildlife species, as the landscape has changed, there has been less habitat.

Explore more about quail conservation in the Everyday Environment blog and podcast at https://go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment

A quail bird stands in a field. Text reads: "Where have all the quail gone?" with Illinois Extension and Everyday Environment logos.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 25

When you flick a switch the power turns on, but what does it take to make that happen now and in the future? 💡

Don't be in the dark about community power needs. Sign up for free for the webinar Energy Grid Resiliency 101 at noon on Sept. 9 at https://go.illinois.edu/ResilientCommunities2025

High voltage power lines against a sunset sky, with text "Resilient Communities" and "Illinois Extension" in bold.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 22

Walker's cicada is heard July-October in Illinois in creeks and swamps. This colorful insect is larger than most of the other common annual cidadas.

Learn its call with the Voice of the Wild podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms or https://go.illinois.edu/VoiceoftheWild

A Walker's cicada sits on green leaves. Text overlay reads: "Walker's cicada Sound ID, Voice of the Wild, Illinois Extension."

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 21

We’ll be there, will you? #FPS25

Stop by, say hello, and travel through various tables, filling the tent with research updates and conversations.

📍Farm Progress Show | Aug. 26-28 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – College of ACES and Illinois Extension
Booth # 34W

An Illinois Extension specialist talks with a visitor about agricultural drones at the Farm Progress Show.

An Illinois Extension outreach associate demonstrates a water system to visitors at the table at the Farm Progress Show.

An Illinois Extension educator explains Maximum Return to Nitrogen to table visitors at the Farm Progress Show.

The view looking inside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - College of ACES, Illinois Extension tent at the Farm Progress Show.

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 19

Stay in the loop on the latest in pesticide safety issues, regulatory information, and changes in pesticide registration label status with the Illinois Pesticide Review newsletter.

🔗 Read the August newsletter issue at https://extension.illinois.edu/newsletters/julyaugust-2025

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University of Illinois Extension @extension.illinois.edu · Aug 18

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Vann as Illinois Extension’s new Associate Dean & Director, starting Sept. 22!
“Together, we will chart a bold, responsive path forward — rooted in listening, innovation, and a deep belief in Extension’s power to improve lives,” says Vann.

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