Dual Extension program to teach rainscaping practices in Sycamore
SYCAMORE, Ill.— Naturalists and gardeners, homeowners, conservation organizations, stormwater professionals, and landscape consultants are examples of those who can learn how landscape design and management practices reduce pollution from stormwater runoff at a workshop hosted by University of...
Youth sharpen their skills at 2025 Illinois 4-H shooting sports state competitions
Jacksonville, IL — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports State Competitions wrapped up this September, bringing together top youth marksmen from across the state in a series of events that showcased precision, skill, and sportsmanship. Held annually in late August and throughout September, the...
Ogle County 4-H joins national celebration of leadership, learning, and service
OREGON, Ill.— From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Ogle County are proving they’re not just ready for the future, they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with...
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture at Ag Awareness Days
OREGON, Ill.— On September 4 and 5, 446 Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth-graders gathered for the 23rd annual Ag Awareness Days at the Ogle County Fairgrounds to learn about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag Awareness...
Drought is intensifying across Illinois
An extremely dry end to summer and start to fall has intensified the ongoing drought in central and southern Illinois and increased the fire and blowing dust risk as we approach harvest, according to Illinois State Climatologist...
Celebrate food safety month by exploring Extension resources
URBANA, Ill. — September marks National Food Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices across all food system sectors, from farm to table. Whether people grow, process, sell, donate, or consume food, everyone has a role in reducing...
Explore diverse farms during the Ogle County Farm Stroll on Oct. 12
OREGON, Ill.— On Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension will host the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of highly diversified family farms open to the public on one big day. There will be farm tours, demonstrations, and fresh...
Illinois Extension to host inaugural Stormwater Leadership Summit
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois communities are facing more stormwater challenges due to larger storm events creating water quantity issues, infrastructure mitigation needs, and a lack of resources protecting water quality for all communities. To address this, University of Illinois Extension is...
Ogle County Agriculture in the Classroom is holding a freezer meal fundraiser
OREGON, Ill.— Meals made easy and for a great cause! Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking. These freezer meal sets also make a great gift. Order 10 delicious meals that have...
DeKalb County 4-H dominates Illinois State Air Rifle Competition
Bloomington, Ill. — August 2025 DeKalb County 4-H members made a powerful statement at the Illinois 4-H State Air Rifle Shoot, held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters in Bloomington. With seven of the top ten individual scores, DeKalb County emerged as the clear frontrunner in this year’s...
