Want more from your garden? Plant a fall crop of cucumbers
URBANA, Ill. — It’s the middle of summer, and you are looking for a new home project. Did you know it is not too late to plant some vegetable plants? With proper care, many vegetables are easy to grow in a sunny location in your backyard or a container garden on a patio. Take the challenge and...
Illinois landowners can support bats with backyard trees, forests
URBANA, Ill. — Fluttering overhead at night, quiet except for their squeaks, bats can be easily overlooked, but these small mammals play a big role in the ecosystem. Bats are also at risk. Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, and more than half of them are listed as endangered, threatened by...
Youth champions named in 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge
Urbana, Ill. - The 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge took youth into the great outdoors as they showcased their expertise and engaged in outdoor adventures throughout the spring and summer.
The curriculum-based challenge invited young nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature,...
Help youth learn about agriculture at county fair
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 assisting at the...
Ogle County 4-H Foundation and Stan Eden Scholarship winners
OREGON, Ill. – The Ogle County 4-H Foundation offers college scholarships to 4-H members who are planning to pursue or are already engaged in further education beyond high school. Any area of study may be pursued whether that is at a college or vocational...
Local 4-H youth win awards at horse show
OREGON, Ill. - This year's multi-county 4-H horse show was held at Amber Sun Acres in Malta on Saturday, July 8. This is the sixth year that Ogle and DeKalb counties held a combined show. Sixteen 4-H members competed in the show. Results are listed below.
Champion Junior Showmanship-...
Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.
Using raised beds may allow...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management...
Awards given to local youth at multi-county 4-H dog show
OREGON, Ill. - This year’s multi-county 4-H dog show was held on Saturday, June 24 at Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon. This is the sixth year that Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties have participated...
Ogle County 4-H Fair cat show award winners
OREGON, Ill. - This year’s Ogle County 4-H cat show was held at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon on Monday, June 26. Cats are judged on their physical condition, cleanliness and presentation, temperament, appearance, good health, alertness, and graceful movement. 4-H’ers receive ratings...
Explore the magical world of butterflies!
OREGON, Ill. - Does your child enjoy the outdoors and learning about the natural world? The Junior Master Naturalist program is the perfect way for your 9-12 year old to explore and discover the wonders nature. University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers in Ogle County will provide...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...
Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.
Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. – In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
