Do artificial roosts help bats? Illinois experts say more research needed
URBANA, Ill. — Artificial roosts for bats come in many forms — bat boxes, condos, bark mimics, clay roosts, and cinder block structures, to name a few — but a new conservation practice and policy article from researchers at the University...
Butterflies can eat to live, live to eat in a balanced garden
URBANA, Ill. — A favorite thing about visiting gardens in the summer is catching sight of a butterfly enjoying nectar from a brightly colored zinnia or a monarch caterpillar munching on a milkweed leaf. When designing a butterfly garden, expand and balance plant selection to provide more than...
Wet noses, wagging tails, friendly competition greet 4-H dog exhibitors
DIXON, Ill. — It was a day filled with wet noses and wagging tails as more than 150 dog owners competed for championship honors in the 2023 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 26 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Dog facility in Dixon.
4-H members who excel in the 4-H dog project are...
Field Day event plans to keep beef cattle producers up on trends for their herds
URBANA, Ill. — Beef cattle producers will gain insights and stay up to date on current research from cow/calf patterns to alternative forages and more at the Orr Beef Research Center's Field Day on September 6. The meeting will be held at the John Wood Community College Ag Center located...
Build drought-tolerant gardens this fall for next summer’s blooms
URBANA, Ill. — Many Illinois gardens are entering the fall stressed from the lack of summer rains combined with scorching hot temperatures. These conditions easily stress some plants; however, many plants quickly adapt to hot, dry conditions. Drought-tolerant plants are not only tough and...
Illinois Extension to offer free programming in Ogle County
OREGON, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension serving Ogle County will be offering upcoming programs in Rochelle and Oregon. Join Extension educator, Kara Schweitzer, as she leads these free sessions which are open to the public. Register by calling 815-632-3611.
Penning the...
Build privacy with plants for secret gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Plants serve a lot of purposes in the landscape. One of which is to add some privacy. Screening plants can help define and give purpose to a space. Homeowners may wish to screen a particular area or transparency in the landscape, creating interest in what lies beyond. ...
Illinois Extension investing in the future of farming across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Helping Illinois farmers grow thriving crops and livestock has always been at the heart of University of Illinois Extension’s mission. Using feedback received from farmers and other agricultural stakeholders through a 2022 survey,...
Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
Lee County Master Gardeners Present Series at Winfred Knox Memorial Library
Want to enjoy exploring gardening all year long? Are you interested in how vanilla beans are used in ice cream? Or ever wondered about using old milk jugs as a greenhouse? How about finding out about sundials? Join the Lee County Master Gardeners and the Winifred Knox Memorial...
Ogle County youth win Illinois State Fair awards
OREGON, Ill. - Forty-seven youth from Ogle County recently competed at the state level at the 4-H General Project Show held August 11 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Seven competitors placed first earning the Grand Champion title, while 4 were named Reserve Grand Champions, and...
Opportunity House inaugural Special 4-H General Projects Day fair set for Sept. 5
SYCAMORE, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension in DeKalb County developed a new 4-H club for clients of Opportunity House, a non-profit community sponsored rehabilitation center serving adults with developmental disabilities in DeKalb County, with club sponsorship from Sycamore Kiwanis Club....
Order meals for an easy supper
OREGON, Ill. - Meals made easy and for a great cause! Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking. This is also a great gift idea as well.
Order 10 delicious meals that have been prepared...
Ogle County youth win awards at 4-H poultry show
OREGON, Ill. - Winners were announced for the 2023 Ogle County 4-H Fair poultry show, see list below. Pictured is Paityn VanBriesen with her award ribbons and winning chicken.
Champion Junior Showmanship...
Winners announced for Ogle County 4-H rabbit show
OREGON, Ill. - Winners were announced for the 2023 Ogle County 4-H Fair rabbit show. Please see the list below.
Champion Jr. Showmanship..................................................................................... Landon Zabran, Byron
Champion Intermediate...
Money management strategies to help young adults achieve financial wellness
College can be an exciting time of self-discovery and growth, but it's also a time to face new financial challenges that produce anxiety and stress. To manage this, it's best to start early to build good financial habits that will ensure a solid future, learn how to make the most of financial...
