We are here for you.

Local programs for all

Ask a Master Gardener Find us on Facebook Just for kids!

Highlights

Report spotted lanterflys in Illinois

The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Send photos of spotted lanternflies to lanternfly@illinois.edu and include detailed information such as time, location, and number of insects.

Discover 4-H Carnival | DeKalb County

We are inviting everyone to join staff and 4-H families for this free event with carnival games, putt-putt golf, bozo buckets, kite making, and face painting. Gather information to join a 4-H club and have your questions answered on Oct. 8 from 4-6 PM.

How High Do You Bounce? | Ogle County

Are you a highly resilient person? Join Family Life Educator, Kara Schweitzer, at the Rock River Center in Oregon on Oct. 11 as she discusses the characteristics of resilient people and how you can nurture and strengthen your resilience. This program is free and open to the public, registration is required.

Ogle County Farm Stroll | Ogle County

Free, family-friendly event on Oct. 15 from 11 AM-4 PM for a self-guided tour of some of Ogle County's diversified family farms. There is no beginning or end, just choose which farms to visit and hit the road! Farm tours, demonstrations and fresh local sales of produce and more. Dress for the weather, event will take place rain or shine.

The Real World- Life in Action | DeKalb County

Are you a 7th-12th grader thinking about career choices and your future? Join us Oct. 21 to discover various careers and experience a "Real World" simulation. Register by October 10! Lunch is provided.

Looking for the Funny Side: The Value of Humor | Ogle County

Extension Family Life Educator, Kara Schweitzer, will be speaking on Nov. 6 at the Rock River Center in Oregon about how humor is good for you for its physical and psychological benefits. This program is free and open to the public, registration is required.

Volunteer Spotlight

4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame | Carl Heide

DeKalb County 4-H is excited to name Carl Heide as their recipient of the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame. Carl has been a judge for the general projects show for over 32 years. He is known for being friendly and encouraging. He also does an exceptional job of talking to the 4-H members about their projects and guiding and leading youth. Congratulations, Carl, on your induction to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame | Amy Hildebrandt

Boone County 4-H is excited to name Amy Hildebrandt as their recipient of the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame. Amy has served as a 4-H leader of the Manchester Mavericks 4-H club for nearly 20 years. In addition, she served as an Illinois 4-H chaperone to 4-H Club Congress. Currently, Amy is a member of the Expansion and Review Committee and she is serving as a founding member of the Boone County 4-H Foundation. Amy is always a cheerleader for the 4-H program, encouraging youth and families to join. Congratulations!

4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame | Gretchen Johnson

Ogle County 4-H is excited to name Gretchen Johnson as their recipient of the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame. Gretchen has been a dedicated volunteer for over 12 years. She has coached the horse bowl and hippology team for 12 years and has led them to qualify at state and national levels. Gretchen took on the role of managing the children's farm during the 4-H fair. She recently joined the Ogle DeKalb County 4-H Horse Committee. Thank you for your service, Gretchen, and congratulations!

State Sustained Excellence Master Gardener Award | John Prendergast

Congratulations, John Prendergast on being the recipient of the 2023 State Sustained Excellence Award. This award recognizes previous State Outstanding Master Gardener Award winners who have continued to develop in their Master Gardener career with new responsibilities and initiatives. Not only is John the lead grower for the Engh Farm Garden, he also participates in many other Master Gardener projects within the county. His commitment to the Master Gardener program and his passion for educating others about gardening is exemplary. Thank you for all that you do, John!

State Outstanding Master Gardener Award | Christine Scholl

Congratulations, Christine Scholl on receiving the 2023 State Outstanding Master Gardener Award! Only 1-2% of active Master Gardeners in the state are recognized with this award annually. Christine has been involved in the DeKalb Master Gardener program for over 11 years and is a key volunteer. She has been the project lead for the Hallgren Park Gardens since joining the group and has increased her responsibilities over the years with multiple DeKalb County Master Gardener projects. Thank you for your time and hard work, Christine!

Events

Building a Strong Foundation

October 4, 2023

4-H State Rifle Contest

October 7, 2023

Discover 4-H Carnival | DeKalb County

October 8, 2023

County

DeKalb

Two women reading the nutrition label on a bottle of juice

What to Eat, When You Can't Eat That | Lessons for Living | October 2023

October 10, 2023

More Events

News Releases

October 4, 2023

Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...

October 4, 2023

New committee to drive inclusivity and equity initiatives in Illinois 4-H
Champaign, IL – Illinois 4-H is marking the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Committee. This newly formed committee will advise and collaborate in the implementation of DEIA priorities recently identified through a strategic planning...

October 3, 2023

Learn essential tips for a better aging life experience
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face many changes and challenges, from losing loved ones to declining health and independence. That's why it's essential to give them the meaning they need to live this stage of life with dignity. University of Illinois...

Yellow rake sitting against large tree with fall leaves on the ground

October 2, 2023

Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...

October 2, 2023

Competition builds camaraderie, sense of friendly competition
BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The best teenage 4-H shotgun shooters from Illinois gathered to shoot a full 100 rounds of trap shooting at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 23. A crowd of nearly 250 gathered for this event. Seventy shooters were on hand for this year’s competition....

More News Releases

Programs We Offer