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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!

Gardener's Pathway & Artisan Market | Sycamore | Feb. 28

Hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners. Grow your skills, spark your creativity, and connect with fellow plant lovers at this year’s Gardening Workshop and Artisan Market—a full day designed for both new and experienced gardeners. Register here by Feb. 14. What the day includes: continental breakfast, Keynote presentation by Mark Dwyer, three breakout sessions, lunch, and door prizes.

Day of Dabbling | Open to all youth ages 5-18

Day of Dabbling is on Feb. 28 from 9 AM to 12 PM and is a day of hands-on learning and fun that will have you DOING, THINKING, and CREATING! Bring LOTS of energy AND get ready to dabble. You do not have to be in any particular project area to attend. In fact, you don't even have to be in 4-H, so bring a friend! You must be 5 years and older to participate. For more information and to preregister by February 13, go here. The event takes place at Oregon Church of God, 860 W Oregon Trail Rd, Oregon, IL 61061.

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

Winter Events

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.

Gardening for Pollinators | Belvidere

Join us for Gardening for Pollinators on March 5 at 6 PM at the Ida Public Library, 320 N State St, in Belvidere. This is a vibrant program that shows how to create welcoming habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential creatures that keep our ecosystems thriving. You’ll explore how to choose the right plants, design pollinator‑friendly spaces, and support local wildlife in ways that are both beautiful and beneficial. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this program offers practical tips that make a real difference. Registration is required; call the library at 815-544-3838. This program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener.

Introduction to Hydroponics | Oregon

Curious about growing plants without soil? Ready to explore a modern, efficient way to garden? Join us for an engaging workshop, Introduction to Hydroponics, presented by Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Bruce Black. During this hands-on session, you’ll discover: what hydroponics is and how it works, which plants thrive in hydroponic systems, how to cultivate, maintain, and harvest your setup, and tips to get started at home. This program starts at 10 AM on March 5, at the Rock River Center, Inc. in Oregon. Program fee is $10 and registration is REQUIRED by calling 815-732-3252. We will give you all the supplies to "make and take" a canning jar hydroponic planter!

Upcoming Community and Economic Development Webinars

Register today for these February virtual events! The first one is the 2026 Corn Belt Ports Update on Feb. 12, and then we will explore the community response to the Resilient Communities: Data Centers Part 3 on Feb. 24.

Don't miss these!

Events

Wild Neighbors: Beavers—Nature's Engineers

February 11, 2026

County

Ogle

2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School

February 11, 2026

2026 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School

February 12, 2026

Cordage Making Workshop | Belvidere

February 12, 2026

County

Boone

More Events

Support the Ogle-Carroll Ag in the Classroom Program today!

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Freezer Meal Fundraiser

They’re convenient, delicious, and perfect for busy days… and they’re BACK! Our Spring Freezer Meal Fundraiser returns, and this time all meals come in individual servings. Freezer meals are a lifesaver when you're on the go — and they make great gifts too! This round, you’ll receive two sets of five meals, giving you 10 ready-to-heat dishes you don’t have to cook from scratch. Just pop them in the microwave, follow the directions, and enjoy.

Menu Includes:
• Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
• Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese
• Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (improved recipe!)
• Chicken Fajitas with peppers and onions

Meals are prepared by Custom Catering and BBQ in Lanark, IL.

Order by 1 PM on March 3

Pick up is on March 30 at the Ogle County Extension Office, 421 W Pines Rd in Oregon from 4-5 PM.

Order today

News Releases

February 4, 2026

Gardener's Pathway and Artisan Market brings hands-on fun back on Feb. 28
SYCAMORE, Ill.— The annual Gardener's Pathway and Artisan Market hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners returns on Feb. 28 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W Prairie Dr, Sycamore, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to grow their skills and connect...

person wearing pink baseball cap and black headphones

February 4, 2026

Illinois Extension announces upcoming Community and Economic Development webinars
OREGON, Ill.— Illinois Extension is launching a new round of Community and Economic Development webinars this February, offering Illinois residents, local leaders, and regional stakeholders timely insights into major economic shifts shaping the state. The series highlights two fast‑evolving...

February 4, 2026

Illinois Extension offers free life-skills series to promote wellness across generations
OREGON, Ill.— As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling...

Green corn leaves and stalks growing in a field on a sunny, blue sky day

February 3, 2026

Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference equips agriculturalists for upcoming growing season
URBANA, Ill. — How individuals strategize their next farming season can differ from one farmer, landowner, producer, or industry professional to the next. University of Illinois Extension’s online-only Crop...

A person kneels down to check soybean plant progress in a field

February 2, 2026

New Focus on the Future meetings to help Illinois agriculture community build, sustain farm legacy
URBANA, Ill. — Every farm has an individual story to tell, and it is up to the generations of farmers living it to tell the tale. In 2026, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are...

More News Releases

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