How to freeze produce for maximum freshness
Spring is right around the corner, and summer gardens will be bursting with produce in no time. You can enjoy your summer flavors year-round by preserving your fresh produce now. Home food preservation continues to be a favorite by many. And by knowing and understanding a few basics, you can...
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference to be held in Freeport
Make plans to attend the Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference scheduled for March 2, 2024, in Freeport, Illinois, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master...
Exciting Gardening Workshop Returns to Dixon: Ready…Set…Grow…
DIXON, Ill. — Calling all gardening enthusiasts! University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are thrilled to announce the return of Ready…Set…Grow…, an engaging gardening workshop set to take place on March 23, 2024, at the Loveland Community House in Dixon.
This year,...
New study finds Extension offices have vital role in fight against growing number of tick bites
URBANA, Ill. — A tick bite can happen anywhere: a park, your backyard, a farm field. The uncertainty can be scary. Do you pull it out? How? What do you do with the tick? What if you get sick?
A call, email, or visit to the local University of Illinois Extension office can help provide...
Cutting back branches leaves trees with healthier outlook
URBANA, Ill. — To stay healthy, sometimes trees need a little help in the form of a trim. Pruning is an essential maintenance activity to promote tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Since trees are large, long-living plants in our landscape, pruning throughout the life of a tree can have a...
Explore Illini Science Policy Program at the Black & Latinx Summit
URBANA, Ill. — A career in the public sector is about meeting the dynamic needs of Illinois’ diverse populations. The Illini Science Policy Program, administered by University of...
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb.7 and 8.Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a unique opportunity to...
Local farmer donates to DeKalb County 4-H through Bayer
SYCAMORE, Ill. – Local farmer Ken Stark directed a $5,000 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to DeKalb County 4-H in 2023.
“We would like to thank Ken for this amazing donation to the DeKalb County 4-H program and Bayer for sponsoring the opportunity. It will truly...
Get inspired to get growing at regional garden days
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine picking fresh fruit off a tree in your backyard. Or snipping fresh herbs from a potted plant growing on your windowsill for a family meal. Gardening is an adventure, and each spring is a new opportunity to grow.
Whether your garden is a few houseplants by a window...
Serve It Safely: Food Handlers Course
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Do you currently have a position handling food, or are you looking for a job in the food industry? If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National Standards...
Selling Meat in Illinois - Livestock Production and Principles for Beginners Webinar Series
The Livestock Production and Principles for Beginners Webinar Series returns in 2024. This monthly series, first launched in 2023, addresses the needs of those who are getting started, exploring the concept of, or even assists those currently raising livestock. With a focus on helping those who...
Final days to register for the 2024 Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference
lueberries, pumpkins, apples, and tomatoes are all on the agenda for the 28th Annual Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in NIU-Rockford, 8500 E State Street, Rockford, Illinois on Monday, February 19. Serving commercial growers that sell to farmers markets, orchards, and other...
Dive into a new webinar on holistic health solutions
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois, along with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, and in collaboration with Illinois Extension, has developed the...
New Extension initiatives empower Illinois to meet the challenges of changing climate
URBANA, Ill. — The science is clear; the world’s climate is changing. Illinois has already seen the impacts on everything from agriculture productivity and food access to public health hazards and diminishing natural resources. To meet these challenges and further its land-grant mission of...
Local Ogle County 4-H club honored with statewide award
URBANA, Ill. - The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H club in Ogle County was recently honored for its achievements with a statewide Excel Club Award.
Recognition and awards are an essential part of 4-H. Recognition encourages young people and increases their interest in opportunities as they...
Farm Forward: Turning Last Season’s Challenges Into Next Season’s Triumphs
Join University of Illinois Extension Crop Sciences Educator Kathryn Seebruck for the first year of her series “Farm Forward: Turning Last Season’s Challenges Into Next Season’s Triumphs”. This monthly series aims to address the needs of row crop producers and will be rotated between Jo Daviess...
Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Camp – Change Your Child’s Life!
Registration for the Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Camp 2024 is now open! The camp will be held from June 9-13, 2024, at Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL. This five-day, four-night residential camping experience is conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone,...