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Announcements & Highlights

Registration is open for 4-H Camp

4-H Camp is from June 14-18 at Rock River Christian Camp in Polo. Sign your child(ren) up today for an amazing week. Camp is open to ALL youth ages 8-14 as of June 14, 2026. 4-H membership is NOT REQUIRED. Early bird camp cost is $325 for 4-H members and $375 for non-4-H members until March 1. Spots fill up fast, so register here now!

Houseplant Care Class | Oregon | Jan. 8

Love houseplants but not sure how to keep them happy? Join us for a free and fun class at the Rock River Center in Oregon on houseplant care! Learn tips and tricks to help your indoor plants thrive all year long—from watering and light to soil and troubleshooting. Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike! Please call the Rock River Center at 815-732-3252 to register and reserve your spot. Let’s grow together!

Floral Design Class | Oregon | Feb. 3

Join us for a free, informational introduction to the art of floral design! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to create beautiful, professional-looking arrangements using simple techniques and thoughtful design. Discover tips on flower selection, color combinations, and styling methods that will make your blooms shine—whether for gifts, décor, or personal enjoyment. Call the Rock River Center to register at 815-732-3252.

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

Winter Events

Winter Sowing | Belvidere | Jan. 12

Is gardening your "thing"? Do you excitedly wait until spring to start your seeds? You don't have to anymore — learn how to start seeds all winter long! Join a Boone County Master Gardener as you discover how simple containers, cold weather, and a little planning can give you hardy seedlings that are ready for spring planting. Call the library at 815-544-3838 to register.

WinterFest | Jan. 17 | Natural Resource Education Center

Join the staff and volunteers of the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) for a full day of winter fun in the woods! Learn birding tips and tricks, explore the preserve with a guided forest hike, discover nature topics, test your knowledge during the nature trivia game, and enjoy crafts and face painting. Also, can you complete the Un-natural Nature Trail or the Scavenger Hunt? Festivities begin at 9 AM. Celebrate the season, connect with nature, and make lasting memories with your family and community!

Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person Testing | Oregon

Register today for the Oregon in-person pesticide applicator/operator testing. There are four dates to choose from: February 4 & 18, and March 4 & 18. Testing takes place at the Ogle County Farm Bureau, 421 W Pines Rd in Oregon.

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Congratulations, Kelli Morrow!

At Extension's Annual Conference held in Champaign, Kelli Morrow, Boone County Office Support Associate, received an Individual Excellence Award and has gone above and beyond for over 31 years!

Nominated by the Boone County 4-H Program Coordinator, Tally Lalor, Lalor said, "She has been a steady and essential support for 4-H youth development, SNAP-Ed programming, and the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist initiatives. In each of these areas, Kelli has stepped in wherever she is needed—whether as an assistant ensuring details are managed flawlessly, a right-hand partner to colleagues in program delivery, or simply a compassionate and reliable listening ear".

Lalor also stated, "her dedication extends beyond the tasks of her position. Kelli treats every volunteer, community member, and coworker with warmth, patience, and respect. She exemplifies excellent customer service, ensuring that anyone who walks through our doors or calls our office leaves with their questions answered and their needs met. What sets Kelli apart is her ability to anticipate needs before they arise, to offer solutions with grace, and to lift others up with her encouragement and knowledge".

PHOTO: Kelli Morrow was presented her award by Extension Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann.

Your Individual Excellence Award is well-deserved.

Events

Illinois State Legislative Update

January 7, 2026

Houseplant Care Class | Oregon

January 8, 2026

County

Ogle

Wee Nats

January 10, 2026

County

Stephenson

Peoria Agronomy Summit

January 12, 2026

More Events

News Releases

Looking at the front of a blue barn with dairy cows inside at a livestock facility

January 6, 2026

Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...

December 18, 2025

Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit slated for January 28
Many northwest Illinois corn and soybean farmers produced their highest yields ever in the 2025 growing season. Despite this, challenges remain, most pertinently the price-cost squeeze that continues to force producers to make management decisions with added scrutiny, rendering standard...

December 15, 2025

Northern Illinois 4-H Summer Camp— where young minds grow, learn, and thrive
POLO, Ill. — Registration for 4-H Camp 2026 is open!  4-H Camp is set for June 14-18, 2026, at Rock River Christian Camp (RRCC), Polo, IL.  Sign up today to get your child in on all the amazing fun!  4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience...

gloved hand picks up a plastic bottle on a beach

December 10, 2025

The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows
The ubiquitous plastic beverage bottle makes up about half of plastic waste collected for recycling in the U.S. Most recycled plastic is processed domestically, but a portion is traded overseas. A new...

View looking from the ground up into a large tree filled with lush, green leaves

December 9, 2025

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

More News Releases

Take Charge of Your Health | Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

This free, virtual workshop topics include techniques to deal with symptoms of chronic conditions (e.g., fatigue, pain, and emotional problems, such as depression), and participants learn appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength and endurance, falls prevention, healthy eating, better breathing techniques, appropriate use of medication, working more effectively with health care providers, communication skills, action planning, problem solving, and decision making. Participants are highly encouraged to participate in brainstorming, problem-solving, action planning, and decision-making activities throughout. Class dates: January 16, 23, and 30, and February 6, 13, and 20 from 9 to 11:30 AM.

Register online

Programs We Offer

4-H Clubs