Let us help you grow.
Help shape solutions to food waste | Take our survey!
University of Illinois Extension Environmental Quality Specialist Ashley Belle said that in 2024, 436,500 tons of food waste from Illinois homes ended up in landfills, where the organic material produced a substantial amount of the greenhouse gas methane. At the same time, one in eight people in Illinois face hunger. “When it comes to reducing food waste, everyone can help,” said Belle. “With this survey, we hope to get a better understanding of food use at home to then create local programs that support cost savings, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.” The survey is open to adults in Illinois who are regularly involved in household food shopping, meal planning, cooking, or kitchen cleanup. Participants are invited to share what works well for their household and what is challenging. Take the 10-minute survey online here.
Everyone is concerned about ticks
At least three potentially harmful tick species are found in varying levels across Illinois according to a recent U of I study: the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), the black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), and the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). Though all Illinois counties are likely home to all three tick species, southern Illinois has more lone star ticks, northern and central Illinois have higher numbers of deer ticks, and dog ticks are most common in central and southern Illinois. Learn more here!
It's a Buggy World — Beneficial Insects! | September 9 | Cherry Valley
4-H World Explorers Club | Rochelle | A club for 4-H and non-4-H members!
Boone County Farm Stroll | October 4
Ogle County Farm Stroll | October 11 | 10 AM to 4 PM
The DeKalb County 4‑H Livestock Fair did NOT come to play this year — it absolutely delivered.
From show‑ring triumphs to big‑smile wins, our 2026 4‑H members brought the energy, the dedication, and the confidence. Check out these videos capturing standout moments from the livestock shows and the champions who took home top honors.
And for anyone still thinking 4‑H is “just livestock” or “only for farm kids”… look again. The General Projects Show was packed with creativity, innovation, and talent across every category — and the winners proved that 4‑H is for every kind of kid with a passion.
Huge congratulations to all our 2026 4‑H winners — you made this year unforgettable.
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DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Shows with winners
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DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Shows with winners
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DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Show winners
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Check out the winners of the DeKalb County 4-H General Projects Show
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More General Projects winners
Events
Our Master Naturalists did the first step...
Check out these online Walking Guides.
After the Storm
After strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions. Residents can navigate those decisions using research-based resources from University of Illinois Extension to guide safe cleanup and recovery.
Follow our new Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Facebook page today!
Grow, learn, and give back with Illinois Extension in Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties. Master Gardeners support community gardens and share research‑based gardening knowledge, while Master Naturalists help restore and protect local natural areas. This page will let you know the latest programming, workshops, and educational material in our communities.
4-H Clubs
Agriculture
Community and Government
Explore Youth Programs
Food Access
Master Gardeners
Master Naturalists
Natural Resource Education Center
School and Community Programs
Youth Camps