Did you know, Illinois is home to 6 species of cicadas? Their nighttime calls are the sound of summer and you can learn to tell them apart with the Voice of the Wild podcast.  Hear them all at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild/episode-67-sound-key-common-annual-cicadas-voice-wild

No bridge or barn is complete without a few barn swallow mud nests! No other swallow in North America has a tail as deeply forked, but despite this, they are tricky to identify because they fly fast Learn this bird's call on Voice of the Wild: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild

Catch sight of a large raptor soaring overhead with a white head? Congrats! You're looking at a conservation success story — the bald eagle! 🦅 Learn all about the U.S. national bird on Voice of the Wild: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild/episode-62-bald-eagle-voice-wild

Thinking about switching from dairy? This episode breaks down common milk alternatives and the key nutrients to consider before making the swap.  🎙️Tune in to our new podcast to learn more https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/wellness-wake-call/beyond-dairy-exploring-milk-alternatives

Summer is here! 🌻 From gardening and farmers markets to food preservation and youth programs, University of Illinois Extension is here with research-based resources to help you make the most of the season. Explore tips, programs, and opportunities happening across Illinois: extension.illinois.edu

Looking for a yellow-billed cuckoo? You'll have better luck hearing this mysterious bird's strange call, which sounds like tapping on a block of wood. Listen to Voice of the Wild on your favorite podcast platform or at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild

Learn the key differences, common symptoms, and where hidden milk ingredients may be found in everyday foods in our latest Wellness Wake Up Call podcast. 🎧Listen to learn more https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/wellness-wake-call/when-milk-makes-you-sick-allergy-vs-intolerance

✨ This week’s blog, Growing Minds All Summer Long, shares why intentional family activities matter — and offers simple ideas to support literacy, problem‑solving, and healthy development all season. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2026-06-05-growing-minds-all-summer-long

Community members will be able to explore current health research, access reliable information, and engage directly with U. of I. researchers.  Read for more information: https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/new-webinar-series-empowers-illinois-communities-trusted-health-expertise

Managing Rainfall Extremes ☔ Illinois Extension shares practical solutions like rain gardens, rain barrels, native plants, bioswales, & permeable surfaces to help reduce flooding, improve water quality, & conserve water during droughts. More: https://extension.illinois.edu/rainfall-management

✅This blog shares simple ways to become a more intentional family and make meaningful moments stick. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2026-05-26-be-intentional-family

This new blog offers practical ways to manage stress and take that first step toward prevention with more confidence and less worry. Read the full blog: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2026-05-12-when-medical-tests-spark-anxiety

Summer heat is on its way. With energy costs on the rise, save energy to save money:  • Seal cracks with weather stripping/caulk • Change the air filter and clear air vents • Install a programmable thermostate • Use fans More tips: https://extension.illinois.edu/energy/seasonal-savings

“Home First”, a new Illinois Extension curriculum, designed to help communities take a more grounded, resident-first look at tourism, recreation, and visitor development.  https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/building-entrepreneurial-communities/2026-05-24-home-first-resident-first-approach-visitor

This training allows participants to become a Dementia Friend — someone who understands what it’s like to live with dementia and knows practical ways to offer support. Become a Dementia Friend ✅June 9 at 2 p.m. ✅Register at: https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-06-09-become-dementia-friend

Morrow Plots project will coincide with 150th anniversary 🌽 Established in 1876, the Morrow Plots is a national symbol of agricultural innovation and remain a National Historic Landmark. More: https://morrow.aces.illinois.edu/bayer-gift-launches-morrow-plots-revitalization-for-150th-anniversary/

Throwback Thursday to the buzz of the 2025 cicada brood in Illinois. From their unmistakable songs to the excitement of spotting them across the state, these remarkable insects made last spring one to remember. Learn more: https://extension.illinois.edu/insects/cicadas.

Find a rewarding career with Illinois Extension 🌱 From agriculture and youth development to nutrition, horticulture, communications, and community outreach, there are opportunities to grow your career while creating local impact. Get started: https://extension.illinois.edu/global/careers.

Home food preservation keeps seasonal flavors alive year-round. From canning to freezing, safe, science‑based methods preserve flavor, nutrition, and well‑being. ✅Explore our trusted resources and start preserving with confidence. https://extension.illinois.edu/food-preservation/info-sheets

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 from June 10-12.  https://go.illinois.edu/IntroInvasives.

A summer visitor to parts of Illinois, count yourself lucky if you hear the black-throated blue warbler's "Zoo zoo zoo zee" call on a woodland hike! More Voice of the Wild at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild Audio from: Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab @birdsoftheworld.bsky.social

Memorial Day marks the start of summer grilling season.  👉 Read the full blog to kick off summer with flavor and food safety. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/live-well-eat-well/2025-05-21-grill-safely-summer-food-safety-tips-memorial-day-and-beyond

Get weekly Illinois crop reports from Extension's experts right to your inbox every Friday throughout the growing season in farmdoc daily’s The Bulletin.  🔗 Subscribe or bookmark farmdoc’s The Bulletin: https://go.illinois.edu/TheBulletin

Add beauty, privacy, & vertical interest to your landscape with vines. From annual climbers to long-lasting perennial favorites, vines can brighten fences, trellises, & garden spaces while attracting pollinators like butterflies & hummingbirds. More: https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/vines

Hunters Feeding Illinois delivered 138,900 servings of lean protein to families across 48 counties this season. ✅Read the full story https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/hunters-feeding-illinois-provides-138900-servings-lean-protein-families-across-48

With spring planting on the move, Agronomy Days will soon be here. The season-long field day series teaches Illinois growers about the latest breakthroughs in crop research. Events run from June through August around the state.  2026 Event Calendar: https://agronomyday.web.illinois.edu/events/

Thinking about becoming a cottage food seller in Illinois?   Our updated Cottage Food Guide is here to help you understand the rules, requirements, and opportunities for home‑based food businesses. https://extension.illinois.edu/cottage-food

Get ready for an Illinois Pesticide Applicator test with newly updated training manuals. - Find the general manual and other pesticide guides at pubsplus.illinois.edu/collections/pesticide-safety. - Explore online pesticide applicator training options at extension.illinois.edu/psep.

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.  More at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2021-06-12-wild-carrot-family-full-harmful-plants

💡 Ready for fresh ideas that bring more balance into your day?   Check out the full post and try a few new habits this week for alternatives to screen time. https://publish.illinois.edu/smartfamilies/resources/alternatives-to-screen-times/