Spend summer days growing, supporting gardens with webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Get ready to spend summer days outdoors gardening, exploring, and enjoying the growing season by adding in Four Seasons Gardening webinars beginning June 11. University of...
Homegrown Healthy: A Horticultural Journey from Garden to Table
OREGON, Ill. - As the warmth of summer approaches, the Oregon Public Library and Morrison Community Hospital, along with University of Illinois Extension, are proud to announce a unique educational initiative designed to cultivate healthier lifestyles through the Homegrown...
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Illinois Conservation Police dive into preventing spread of aquatic invasive species
DECATUR, Ill. — A group of 150 Illinois Conservation Police Officers gathered in Decatur for a hands-on workshop on aquatic invasive species during their annual meeting this spring. Developed by the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic invasive species team in...
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...
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...
Add a dash of herbs to spice up floral bouquets
URBANA, Ill. — Cultivating a cut flower garden filled with favorites can be a fun family project that can become budget-friendly gifts for everyone. Adding herbs to a garden and bouquets will create a unique, personal touch to designs. Fresh herbs look and smell amazing and will be long-...
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide.
Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Youth demonstrate equine knowledge, passion for horses in hippology contest
OREGON, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people passionate about horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Youth test knowledge of horse health, equine knowledge in state contest
OREGON, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Ogle County 4-H Public Presentations Contest held in March
OREGON, Ill. - This year’s 4-H Public Presentations Contest was held Saturday, March 9, at the Ogle County Farm Bureau. We thank the Polo Lions Club for sponsoring the Public Presentations Award.
Ogle County 4-H winners:
Top of Class Formal Speech –Beginner (aged 8-13), Shelby...
Ogle County 4-H partners with Byron Forest Preserve to plant an oak tree savanna
BYRON, Ill. – Byron Forest Preserve in Ogle County is now home to an oak tree savanna, thanks to local Ogle County 4-H members and community members. The 25 oak trees, called a savanna, will bring new life to oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois.
The 4-H Green...
Extension’s dedication to environment grows with new campus natural resources expert
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The wild spaces of Illinois are smaller than what they once were, but the forests and prairies that remain are vital for wildlife and the ecosystem services they provide. Across the state, University of Illinois Extension’s network of natural resource experts connects...
Illinois crop competition calls for youth scouting teams
URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is not just any competition. It is a unique opportunity for agriculture students to showcase skills and knowledge while working on a team competing for a prize...
Youth gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 13...
Get your pressure canner dial gauge tested
Canning season is fast approaching! Are you ready? Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods. Over time, a pressure canner's dial gauge will become...
Ogle County Master Gardener Help Desk is now open
OREGON, Ill. - Illinois Extension of Ogle County opened its Master Gardener Program’s Help Desk on April 1. Master Gardeners will be available in person once a week through September 30.
Master Gardeners research topics and help identify problems and find solutions about...
Mother's Day Flower Walks to take place on May 11
GENOA, Ill. - On Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension offers guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. Russell Woods is located 1 mile west of Genoa on...
Celebrating Ogle County 4-H volunteers
OREGON, Ill. - Volunteering has many benefits. It allows an individual to be involved in their community, which can be very helpful if you are new to the area. Volunteering allows for new friendships to be made. It allows an...
