Back by popular demand, freezer meal fundraiser for the Ag in the Classroom program is underway
OREGON, Ill. — Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? Freezer meals are back by popular demand. It's time to stock your freezer. We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking and support a great program — Ogle-Carroll Agriculture in the...
Big Thunder Pavilion: preserving Potawatomi legacy through landscape, art, and community stewardship
BELVIDERE, Ill. — Big Thunder Pavilion is a monument site in Belvidere, Boone County, IL, which was donated to the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD) by the late Belvidere resident and businessman, Jack Wolf. It is located at Big Thunder Blvd. and Wolf Rd., across from Rock Valley College...
University of Illinois Extension offers Diabetes 101 educational series
FREEPORT, Ill.--- Diabetes touches millions of lives every day. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, have been living with diabetes for years, or are supporting a loved one, you’re not alone. With the right information and support, diabetes can be managed, and healthy living...
Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....
Envisioning the next 150 years of crop research with the Alma Mater Plots
URBANA, Ill. — A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each...
2026 Ogle County 4-H Fair schedule
OREGON, Ill. — The 2026 Ogle County 4-H Fair will be held in conjunction with the 173rd Ogle County Fair in Oregon, IL. The fair will be open to the public from July 29 – August 2. Visit the 4-H Fair to see local 4-H club members in action with their animals and experience the wide...
Ogle County 4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. — Approximately 580 4-H project exhibits and 950 project animals will be showcased by Ogle County’s 302 4-H club members in 13 clubs during the 2026 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, July 29 – August 2. 4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit...
Help youth learn about agriculture
OREGON, Ill. — We all eat, but where exactly does the food come from? Youth throughout Ogle and Carroll counties discover the answer to that question through school, library, and park district programs provided by Ag in the Classroom. You can help spread the knowledge by...
Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction set for Aug. 1
OREGON, Ill.— The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday, August 1. It will be held at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 N Limekiln Road in Oregon, IL. The 4-H Auction Committee invites the public to support 4-H project work by bidding on a quality 4-H animal....
Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-known...
When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
Carmichael directs Polo Lions to Ogle County 4-H Foundation
POLO, Ill.— Each year, the Polo Lions Club partners with the keynote speaker of their annual Farmers’ Night to support youth programming in our area. Daniel Carmichael, an engineer with Blue River Technology and John Deere, was this year’s choice. Carmichael visited the Polo Lions Club and spoke...
