News Releases

pink purple and yellow flowers growing
Mother's Day Flower Walk in Genoa
GENOA, Ill. — On Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 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 one mile west of Genoa on State Route...
Four youth standing with red ribbons
Ogle County youth rank high at state 4-H horse contests
OREGON, Ill. — Ogle County was represented by six local youth who competed in the Northwest Regional Competition for Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking, Horse Bowl, and Hippology earlier this month and were rewarded for their efforts. This was their first time competing in the State 4-H Horse Speaking...
White fuzzy appearing specs that are mealybugs on a houseplant stem.
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
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...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Pollinators
Join Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm for a presentation on “Pollinators” on Tuesday, May 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $5 fee to attend and pre-registration is requested. To register or for more...
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...
vintage grey typewriter with paper saying Donations on it
Ogle County 4-H seeks food donations
OREGON, Ill. — Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA, and it's when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. It's a big problem in the United States, where 47 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity...
A tractor pulling equipment tilling across a farm field causing dust
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...
View of a layered landscape all green in bloom with flowers, trees, and shrubs in the woods.
A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...
Three buttons with butterfly, fish, and turtle on them.
Fourth annual NatureFest to take place April 26
DEKALB, Ill. - Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fourth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to...
woman with dark hair in a hat and gardening gloves with a plant.
Homegrown Healthy: A horticultural journey from garden to table
OREGON, Ill. - As the warmth of summer approaches, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library, Sauk Valley Community College, and Morrison Community Hospital, along with University of Illinois Extension, are proud to announce a unique educational initiative designed to cultivate healthier lifestyles...