News Releases

Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
Up close view of light purple berries growing on a green beautyberry plant.
Garden into fall with tips, plants built for seasonal design
URBANA, Ill. — Fall can be a surprise when it arrives, but planning for the seasonal transition can keep the garden looking great until frost.Most gardeners can show their success by battling the summer temperatures, sometimes watering twice daily to keep the plants alive. As summer...
adult in black shirt with youth
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture at Ag Awareness Days
OREGON, Ill. - Three hundred thirty-eight Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth graders descended upon the Ogle County Fairgrounds on September 5 and 6 to harvest information about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living.  Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag...
seeds in a container
New Seed Library program at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library
OREGON, Ill. – The Seed Library is a new program available at the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library in collaboration with the Ogle County Extension Master Gardeners. The program aims to educate the community about the rewards of gardening and seed saving.The Seed Library is housed in a...
A person sitting on a couch, looking for information on a tablet, while potting a houseplant indoors.
Spend a Saturday morning gardening with Extension’s virtual symposium
URBANA, Ill. — Know someone looking for inspiration to start a gardening project that, to this point, has only been a dream? Join Extension on Oct. 19 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or sitting near a favorite view because any...
View from the ground of a person pushing a lawn spreader putting on fertilizer.
Five fall tips for cool-season lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — As the sun sets on another summer season, lawn care does not stop. When it comes to routine turf maintenance, the late summer to early fall months are critical for cool-season lawns.Cool season lawns are a group of turf species comprised mainly of Kentucky bluegrass, tall...
an illustration of a group of young teens from diverse backgrounds
Youth Leadership Conference: Youth in Action
Are you ready to step out into leadership but are not sure how to get started? Join University of Illinois Extension at Youth Leadership Conference: Youth in Action to hear from youth who have stepped out into leadership and been successful.  Participants will...
lady in purple dress using an air fryer in her kitchen with food prepped in front of it
Air Frying 101 program set for Oct. 3 in Rockford
Air frying can be a creative way to stretch your food dollars, help you save money on energy costs, and it can be a healthy alternative to other cooking methods. However, when it comes to selecting an air fryer, there are a few things you will want to consider before investing in this popular...
man in safety vest with ipad looking at a tree trunk in a forest
Learn how to properly manage your forest
Join Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist for a Forest Management Plan Workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 West, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $40 fee to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is...
A group of adults sharing
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
field on a sunny day with a blurred center
Extension offers Webinar about Farm Business Structure
Choosing the right business structure for a farm or ranch business shouldn’t be hard. In the Business Structure Basics Webinar, led by staff from Farm Commons in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, producers will learn how to apply straightforward...
apple in hand on white background
Learn how to grow your own apples
Come celebrate the fall apple season by learning more about this exceptional local fruit. Join University of Illinois Extension's Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, Grant McCarty, for the Growing Great Apples program. In this presentation, you'll learn about general...
girl with dairy cow
Ogle County Carefree 4-H Club updates
OREGON, Ill. - The Carefree 4-H Club in Ogle County held its August meeting at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon. Discussion topics included reflecting on their time at the Ogle County 4-H Fair. Members who participated in the Ogle County 4-H Fair had fun showcasing their general projects...