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Events and Highlights

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Our offices will be closed on May 27 | Memorial Day

We observe this day by remembering and honoring the men and women who served in the U.S. military. Thank you! Different ways to observe Memorial Day include visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. 
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4-H Spotlight | Ogle County

Over 30 Ogle County 4-H members and adults planted 25 oak trees at the Byron Forest Preserve on April 13. By growing this oak tree savanna, the forest preserve is increasing the population of oak trees overtaken by invasive species and more shade-tolerant trees. The 4-H Green Communities Tree Program follows the "learn-by-doing" philosophy of 4-H and is guided by the priorities of the Illinois Forest Action Plan.
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School & Community Garden Training

A garden is a classroom waiting to be explored. If you've ever wanted to start a school or community garden but were not sure where to start, the School and Community Gardens course is for you! This self-paced, research-based online class gives you the tools you need to teach youth to garden. Learn how to build a thriving, long-lasting school garden program of any size. Find more information or sign up for the class here!
red cherries growing on a tree

Grow Your Own Backyard Tree Fruit | Belvidere | May 14

Did you know tree fruits can be grown in your backyard with proper care and training?  Join Boone County Master Gardener Jennifer Crider on May 14 at 6 pm at the Ida Public Library in Belvidere. Learn the basics of backyard tree fruits and how selection, training, and pruning are key factors for success. Registration is required. Call the library at 815-544-3838 or register online by clicking here. 
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Summer Ag Institue for Teachers | Register by May 23

ATTENTION Teachers: Learn how to incorporate an agriculture curriculum into your classrooms! Registration opens on April 15 for the June farm tours in Carroll & Stephenson counties or Winnebago & Boone counties. The $75 fee includes transportation, lunch, and snacks. The deadline to register is May 23. Contact Melinda Colbert at charbm@illinois.edu or the Ogle County office at 815-732-2191 for more information.
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Camp Russell 2024 | DeKalb County | Register now!

Children will have fun learning about nature through hands-on activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly, and space is limited to 20 children per camp, so register now! There are four weeklong programs (June-August), each with a different nature theme. Daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Natural Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve in Genoa. Contact Peggy or Marian at 815-784-2000 with questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate. Specific weeks are geared toward children entering 2nd grade-12 years old. View the brochure here.
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School nutrition training dates set for August
School nutrition professionals play a critical role in the health and well-being of children. They directly impact and influence childhood nutrition through the meals they serve and by encouraging healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. University of Illinois Extension and...
Jay Solomon with award from Northwest Illinois Forestry Association
Solomon Earns Award for Dedication to Forestry
The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association (NIFA) presented the Forestry Pioneer Award to Stanley “Jay” Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment and Energy Educator at the annual meeting in March. This award recognizes individuals who have been leaders in...
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Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
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Environmental Quality
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Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
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Local Government Education
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Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings

State Extension
Boone, DeKalb and Ogle Counties

Ogle County
421 W Pines Rd, Ste 10
Oregon, IL 61061
Phone: 815-732-2191 

Boone County
205 Cadillac Court
Unit 3
Belvidere, IL 61008-1733
Phone: 815-544-3710

DeKalb County
1350 West Prairie Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178-3166
Phone: 815-758-8194

Natural Resource Education Center
Russell Woods Forest Preserve
11750 State Rt 72
Genoa, IL 60135
Phone: 815-758-8194