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...
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...
Homegrown Healthy: A horticulture 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...
Sold-out conference addresses cross-state forestry challenges, points to solutions
DUBUQUE, Iowa — Forest owners voted with their feet this year, selling out the 26th Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference weeks before its March 1 event date. More than 300 participants packed the Grand River Conference Center in Dubuque.The rise in attendance makes one thing clear:...
4-H Day of Dabbling was a hit in Ogle County
OREGON, Ill. - More than 40 youth participated in the 2025 4-H Day of Dabbling on March 22. This was an opportunity for them to explore numerous areas of 4-H project work hands-on.Eighteen workshops were offered; each participant chose three. Project areas included visual arts, food...
Explore invasive plant, animal, insect research updates at Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — When it comes to invasive species, what we don’t know, can hurt us. From insects that kill trees to plants that may increase tick populations, invasive species are a serious threat to Illinois natural areas, waterways, and farm fields because once they take hold, removing them is...
Ticks in Illinois
Join Extension Specialist Dr. Teresa Steckler for a presentation on “Ticks in Illinois” at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. This program is being offered free of charge, but pre-registration is requested. To register or for...
Available prairie seed mixes may fall short for pollinators
URBANA, Ill. — As populations of bees and butterflies decline in the Midwest, native prairie restoration becomes crucial. A new Prairie Research Institute study found, however, that many commercial seed mixes used to conserve and restore prairies may not have enough diversity or spring flowering...
Root awakening: spring tree tips
URBANA, Ill. — As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, it's time to give trees the care they need to thrive. Trees, like all living things, require attention and maintenance, especially as they transition from dormancy to the growing season. Help trees recover from winter damage,...
Illinois Extension to train new wave of community compost leaders
OREGON, Ill. - Composting plays a vital role in creating sustainable communities, from reducing waste to enriching soil. This spring, learn to be a composting leader with University of Illinois Extension's Compost Ambassador program.The five-week training program, which began in Cook,...
Spring Centerpieces
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner as she presents “Spring Centerpieces” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL....
Ogle County 4-H families donate to Liberty Village
OREGON, Ill. - Ogle County 4-H families donated craft items to Liberty Village of Rochelle. The Activities Department will be able to use the items in group activities and distribute items to the residents.PHOTO: Liberty Village of Rochelle was thankful for the donations. Pictured L...
Ogle County youth rank high at Regional Horse Competition
DIXON, Ill. - Five Ogle County 4-H local youth competed in the Northwest Regional Competition for Illinois 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology earlier this month and were rewarded for their efforts. This event was held at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.The 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology...
Vermicomposting
Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty for a program on “Vermicomposting” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $5...
Extension bridges gap between environmental research and real-world solutions
Strong natural systems and the resources they provide, from water filtration to renewable energy sources, are a vital part of healthy, robust communities. One of the core University of Illinois Extension program areas – natural resources, environment, and energy – connects communities across the...
March is Extension Living Well Month
URBANA, Ill. — This March, Illinois residents are invited to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by University of Illinois Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences team. March 2025 is Extension Living Well Month as...
Explore 2025 All-America Selection plant, flower award winners
URBANA, Ill. — Another Illinois winter comes closer to a close, depending on which region of the state you live in. Cold and snowy days may have drug on, but the promise of spring and garden catalogs ease the time before March planting. Whatever the plan is for 2025 gardens, leave room for those...
