From ground to air to space: Tillage estimates get tech boost
URBANA, Ill. – According to national USDA statistics, no-till and conservation tillage are on the rise, with more than three-quarters of corn and soybean farmers opting for the practices to reduce soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and save on fuel. However, these estimates are based...

$5M USDA grant funds Illinois-led innovative cover cropping project
Urbana, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that it is funding a new project led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that will address major obstacles to adoption of cover crops in the United States. Titled “iCOVER: Innovated Cover-crop Opportunity,...

Take small steps to improve, support the environment this winter
URBANA, Ill. – Widespread environmental issues like changing weather patterns and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but small everyday choices make a difference. Explore sustainable maple syrup harvesting, tornado trends in the U.S., and what research says about how to support pollinators in...

Emerging technology allows solar panels and agriculture to coexist, legal hurdles remain
URBANA, Ill. – Renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels are gaining traction, but are sometimes met with local resistance because they take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for agricultural production. Agrivoltaics provides a way of creating dual land...

As you hunt, look out for power lines and poles
Stay safe this hunting season in more ways than one SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Now that hunting season is upon us, Safe Electricity reminds hunters to survey their surroundings before aiming at the next big prize. Take a moment to look up and out for...

Avoid injury, fines, power outages by calling 811 before digging
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — National Safe Digging Day, or 811 Day, is upon us. Easy to remember because of its 8/11 date, the day is a good reminder to get underground utilities marked prior to breaking ground. Having utilities marked is free and easy to do; simply call 811 two to three business days...

Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
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Smart solar siting July 12 webinar discusses dual-use practices
URBANA, Ill. – States are working to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions by expanding renewable energy development. Recent models show that preferred sites — rooftops and brownfields — will not be enough to meet future energy needs. "The siting of solar energy projects...

Reduce impact of extreme temperatures on power grid
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Funds available to districts to replace school buses
URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar to help...

Renewable energy project demonstrates efficiencies, benefits of clean energy geothermal systems
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Summer is upon us: Is your swimming pool safe?
SpRINGFIELD, Ill. — Summer is almost here, and that means spending more time outdoors. To cool down, many take a dip in a pool. Or to relax in the evening, a hot tub provides a nice way to soothe aching muscles. One aspect of owning a pool or hot tub that can be overlooked is its...

Know what to do around downed power lines
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New climate change specialist strengthens Illinois’ commitment to environmental stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – Doing the right thing for the environment isn’t always clear. What’s the best way to reduce home energy costs? How can you manage a farm with changing weather patterns? When is the best time to remove invasive species? The University of...

Geothermal energy systems capture the power of the sun
URBANA, Ill. – Solar energy is not limited to solar panels. Geothermal energy represents another method of using solar energy to heat water and buildings and to generate electricity. As the sun heats the earth’s surface, geothermal systems harvest this energy in a clean, efficient, and...

Stay safe during electrical storms
URBANA, Ill. – Exceeded only by floods, lightning is the second largest killer associated with storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes occur each year. Duane Friend,...

Carbon may soon be stored in Illinois' underground rock
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Shared space: $10 million grant examines how crops, solar can occupy same space
URBANA, Ill. — Some view crops and solar panels as competitors for prime real estate. A 4-year, $10 million dollar grant awarded to University of Illinois' Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment will design "agrivoltaic" systems...

Keep pharmaceuticals out of local waterways with drug take back day
URBANA, Ill. – That expired bottle of pills sitting at the back of the medicine cabinet was once useful, but now it’s just taking up space. The question is – what do you do with it? Flush it? Throw it away? Either choice puts drugs into nearby rivers or lakes putting the environment,...

Renewable Energy Resurgence: What You Need to Know About Solar and Wind
Renewable energy projects have been popping up across the country. Locally, new solar projects have been installed on acreages and connected to the grid. Other solar and wind developments have been proposed for the area.  Solar panels can now be seen on many homes and businesses.    ...