University of Wisconsin-Madison
With winter landscapes often taking a turn toward the bleak, I am grateful to the little, feathered critters that remain behind to brave our cold winters. They add color, interest and animation to an otherwise static and usually white backdrop. I hold birds in very high esteem. I am in awe of how they manage […]
A few years ago, around this time of year, I went shopping for an amaryllis bulb to give to my mom. I decided to purchase a kit that included the bulb, a pot, and a soil disc. It was difficult to choose among the many varieties available. I narrowed it down to ‘Red Lion,’ with […]
Recognizing outstanding participation during National 4-H Week National 4-H Week was filled with creativity, teamwork, and community spirit as Chippewa County 4-H clubs showcased the theme “Beyond Ready to Shine in 4-H” through window displays across the county. Thank you to all clubs that participated and helped promote 4-H in their communities! 🏆 People’s Choice […]
This summer has been dry. Currently, the Chippewa Valley is considered in a severe drought. As such, many trees and shrubs in non-irrigated settings may be experiencing a certain amount of drought stress. Giving your trees and shrubs (needle-bearing, conifer species especially) adequate water before the ground freezes can help them better tolerate winter conditions. […]
Early fall can be a great time to plant trees. Thinking about adding a tree to your landscape this fall? Check out the Wisconsin Horticulture article Tree Species Recommended for Fall Planting, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/tree-species-for-fall-planting/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=article.
Every year, I tell myself, this is the year I will plant garlic. I add garlic to almost every stew, soup, and chili I make. Garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a culinary staple in many cultures. It is a member of the onion family, which includes other tasty relatives such […]
The other day, I walked into the neighborhood grocery store and noticed that the shelves were packed with Halloween candy. Mums were already displayed out front. So, it’s only a matter of time before we see an array of pumpkins peppered throughout storefronts and garden centers to entice us into fall decorating mode. When shopping […]
The other day I watched a hummingbird hover outside the living room window. He flew up and down, backwards and then off like a shot out of view. Our visitor was the ruby-throated hummingbird. It is easy to recognize. The male has an emerald, green back, a white breast and, of course, a ruby-red throat. […]
Having trouble remembering where the car keys are? Grab a sprig of rosemary. It has a reputation for improving memory. Like most herbs, this Mediterranean native has a rich history in folklore. In the Middle Ages rosemary was used to protect against evil spirits. If placed beneath your pillow, it would ward off bad dreams. […]
Each spring and summer, the United States typically experiences a multistate outbreak of salmonellosis associated with exposure to backyard poultry (BYP). Since March 1, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked 17 salmonellosis cases among Wisconsin residents to this year’s backyard poultry multistate outbreak. Backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can […]
As of early April of 2026, commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices have increased by approximately 30% since the fall of 2025. Fortunately, there are management choices farmers can make to provide efficient use of N inputs and minimize negative financial impacts of this sudden price increase. 1. Identify a cost-effective N rate University of Wisconsin […]
Thank You, 4‑H Volunteers! As Volunteer Appreciation Week comes to an end, Jordan and the entire Chippewa County 4‑H staff want to pause and say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who help make our 4‑H program shine brighter every day. 4‑H would not be possible without the time, talent, and care of […]
