News Releases

youth standing at a table with two adults
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...
Three women with bags in their hands
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...
Three adults standing with sign that says teacher of the year runner-up
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...
Two people in a boat with nets on poles watch as dozens of carp jump out of the water
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...
a woman draws a bat with chalk
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...
Christmas Garland
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...
milkweed plant with seeds
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...
youth on a decorated trailer
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...
black piglets on the ground
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...
A green plant with tiny white flowers growing in the ground.
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...
a deer on the side of the road
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...
The name of the webinar on the image of a bread in a basket.
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
person in brown coat in snow
Ogle County 4-H is partnering with Oregon Avalanche for a winter gear drive
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.The...
An adult assists a young child with smashing a pumpkin at a composting event.
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o'-lanterns?With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across...
Yellow flower petals and seed heads covered in snow.
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
woman on zip line in pink shirt going through woods
Workshop highlights tourism marketing strategies for rural communities
SHABBONA, Ill. - The benefits of small-town living seem apparent for those who live in a small town. However, it can be challenging for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and increase tourism traffic. To address these challenges, University of Illinois Extension has...
U of I Extension is hosting the Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13
OREGON, Ill. - This year's Ogle County Farm Stroll will be on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here are a few Farm Stroll guidelines to make this an enjoyable event for you and your family. Dress appropriately for a farm visit. This event takes place rain or shine. Be...