Illinois Extension invests in schools and new audiences, welcomes new educator
BELVIDERE, Ill. – Illinois Extension welcomed Abigail Nelson as the 4-H youth development educator serving Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties in early June.Nelson will provide leadership and programming in 4-H youth development, focusing on schools and new audiences. She is passionate about...
Learn the Basics of Forming and Managing an LLC for Your Farm Business
If you are curious about the benefits and details of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you’re not alone! In the Forming an LLC Webinar, led by staff from Farm Commons in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, you...
Fundraiser to benefit Ag in the Classroom will make holiday shopping easier
OREGON, Ill. – Do you have someone on your holiday list that is hard to buy for or has everything? Do you want an easy meal for yourself? University of Illinois Extension has the solution for you.Individually proportioned meals are prepared and frozen for your...
Enhance Your Food Safety Skills: Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Are you currently working in the food industry or seeking a position in this field? Consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)! The Illinois Department of Public Health mandates that managers of retail food establishments obtain an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)...
Ag Career Exploration Fair set for Nov. 21 in Oregon
OREGON, Ill.– Agriculture is everywhere, technology is advancing, and research says there is a high demand for graduates with a degree. Are you still wondering if this field of study is right for you? Come to the fair and find answers to your questions. Several colleges and businesses will be on...
Youth groups collecting donations for winter gear and sock drive in Ogle County
OREGON, Ill. – The cold weather has arrived, and warm coats and accessories are essential for staying warm. Because of this, two local youth groups, Ogle County 4-H and Oregon Avalanche, are partnering to “Spread the Warmth” during their winter gear drive from Oct. 16 through Nov. 15. You are...
Illinois Ag in the Classroom honors local teacher
KINGS, Ill. - Ogle County teacher Tammy Greene of Kings School has been selected as the 2025 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. A fourth-grade teacher, she has inspired countless students with her passion for learning during her 30-plus-year teaching...
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
Transform Your Container Gardens This Winter: Join Us for “Evergreen Porch Pots” Class!
Do you enjoy gardening in containers but dread having to store them away for the winter? If so, we have the perfect solution for you! The University of Illinois Extension invites you to join our “Evergreen Porch Pots” class on Tuesday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lena Community Center, 497...
First bat celebration takes flight to raise awareness about conservation
URBANA, Ill. — Bats are an iconic symbol of spooky season, and more than 800 people attended the first Central Illinois Bat Festival on Sept. 28 in Urbana for a celebration of all things batty, including exhibits on bat conservation, guest speakers, activities for kids, and an evening bat walk...
Evergreen Porch Pots
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner for “Evergreen Porch Pots” on Tuesday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. Pre-registration is required to attend this program by November 27. There is a $30...
Extension Master Gardeners offer native seed saving program in Rochelle
Ogle County Extension Master Gardeners are partnering with Flagg-Rochelle Public Library to offer the Native Plant Seed Saving program. Native plants occur naturally and have existed for many years in a particular region. This free workshop is on Thursday, November 14, from 6 to 7 pm at the...
Ogle Jolly 4-H Club celebrates National 4-H Week
OREGON, Ill. - Ogle County 4-H clubs celebrated National 4-H Week from October 6-12. National 4-H Week originated during World War II when the National 4-H Camp in Washington, DC, was postponed due to the conflict. In 1942, Ohio State 4-H Leader W.H. Palmer introduced State Mobilization Week to...
Successful Ogle County Farm Stroll was hosted by U of I Extension
OREGON, Ill. – The 2024 Ogle County Farm Stroll took place on Sunday, Oct.13, with six farms opening their doors to the public. The farms on the stroll were Barnhart's Stone Corner, BerryView Orchard, Dietrich Ranch, Happily Homegrown, Hough's Maple Lane Farm, and...
The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
