Boone, DeKalb and Ogle Counties Homepage

Let us help you grow.
Ask a Master Gardener Community impact What is 4-H?

Events and Highlights

Let's Walk | Belvidere | April 28 through June 20

Join us for a refreshing stroll at Prairie Fields Sports Park in Belvidere. Meet at the playground. Discover the countless benefits of walking for adults of all ages. Whether aiming to boost cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, or manage your weight, walking offers a simple yet effective solution. This free walking program is for beginners of all abilities and fitness levels. Mondays and Fridays at 5 PM, April 28 through June 20 (except May 26, Memorial Day). Register here.

NatureFest | April 26 | Genoa

NatureFest is on Sat., April 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, located one mile west of Genoa on state route 72. NatureFest focuses on families with elementary-aged children, but everyone is welcome! Extension staff and Master Naturalist volunteers work together to present multiple hands-on learning activities throughout the forest. Hosted by Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District. Check back for more information. 

Summer Nature Day Camp | Register Now! | Genoa

Camps fill quickly and space is limited- register your child today! Choose from four weeklong programs, each with a different theme. The camp will run from 9 am to 3 pm each day. Children will have fun learning about nature through hands‐on activities, games, and nature awareness. 
Donations benefit the Mini Food Center in Oregon

Food Drive | Ogle County 4-H | Through May 1

Help the Ogle County 4-H clubs collect food donations to put inside the local Mini Food Mart in Oregon. We have extended the 4-H National Day of Service, which encourages 4-H members and clubs to dedicate their time and energy to community service projects on April 26th, to last two weeks! We are helping families in need in our community. This is a collaboration with the Ogle County Health Department who will distribute the items collected. Please drop your donations off at the Ogle County Extension office, 421 W Pines Rd in Oregon, Monday-Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Thank you for your support! If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this food drive or have questions, call our office at 815-732-2191.
Donate today

Watershed 101 | April 30 | Belvidere

What is a watershed? Why should you care? A watershed provides the community with fresh drinking water, recreational opportunities, and other vital resources. Extension Watershed Outreach Associate Nicole Haverback will lead a discussion on how communities in and around Boone County can take care of the water we interact with daily and the importance of watersheds. Registration is required by April 28. There is a $5 program fee. 

Flavors of the Past: A Culinary Journey Through Time | DeKalb County | April 24

Travel back in time through taste. Join the DeKalb County History Center at 2 pm or Kirkland Historical Society at 5 pm for an immersive exploration. Perfect for history buffs, food enthusiasts, and families. Dive into the rich tapestry of culinary history at our upcoming event, where food, culture, and history intertwine. This program features a fascinating collection of historical cookbooks and recipe manuscripts, including a 17th-century English cookbook and a 1920s Mexican culinary student’s compilation. Presented as part of the award-winning exhibit, "Food: Gathering Around the Table," hosted in collaboration with the Smithsonian and in partnership with the University of Illinois Library’s Rare Book Department.

4-H Summer Camp | Registration is open

We are excited that 4-H Camp Registration is Open! We will again be attending Rock River Christian Camp in Polo, Illinois. Camp is open to all youth ages 8-14 by June 8. You do not have to be in 4-H to attend. The dates are Sunday, June 8 - Thursday, June 12, 2025. Call 815-732-2191 with questions.

Johnna Jennings, 4-H Youth Development Educator

After almost 32 years in the same position at Illinois Extension, Johnna will be retiring! Her last day is April 30. Jennings has a long history with 4-H youth development. She was a 4-H member growing up in Ohio and has worked with the program since she graduated from college. Before coming to Illinois, she worked for Ohio State Extension 4-H for five years. She will have an impressive 37 years working with 4-H youth, volunteers, and families. "It has been extremely rewarding and I have truly loved my career," said Jennings. She and her husband, Dan, have two daughters who were also active members of the 4-H program. She can be reached at jbjennin@illinois.edu or 815-758-8194.
It's time to retire!
After an impressive 37 year career.
Read bio here
Events
More Events
News Releases
Group of adults and youth standing with shovels on grass
Ogle County 4-H plants trees
OREGON, Ill. - Illinois was once home to 14 million acres of trees, which included a unique ecosystem called an oak savannah. Now, the oak savannah is considered by the Illinois Forest Action Plan to be the most threatened plant community in the Midwest. A savannah is a plant community with...
A large agriculture-related dust cloud over a farm field
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023...
adult and child working in a garden
Extension celebrates program volunteers
OREGON, Ill. - The Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle County Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers are comprised of trained and dedicated individuals. These individuals come back year after year because they are devoted to giving back to the community, helping and teaching others, making a...
text the best gift is you
Volunteers' passion helps to grow the next generation of leaders
OREGON, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming.  University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Ogle County honors over 100 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 20-26.National Volunteer Week is an opportunity...
More News Releases
Programs We Offer
4-H Clubs
Agriculture
Community and Government
Explore Youth Programs
Food Access
Master Gardeners
Master Naturalists
Natural Resource Education Center
School and Community Programs
Youth Camps