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Announcements & Highlights

4-H U: Dream. Plan. Do. | Belvidere | 4 in-person sessions

Not sure what's next after high school? Let's figure it out together. For youth entering grades 9-12. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. REGISTER TODAY! 4-H U: DREAM. PLAN. DO. is a hands-on 4-session experience focused on exploring future options, connecting interests to real careers, building life and budgeting skills, and getting help with college applications, scholarships, interviewing, and FAFSA. Youth will meet local professionals and gain confidence as they plan their next steps after high school. Sessions are held at the Boone County Extension Office (Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Court, Suite 5, Belvidere, IL 61008) from 9–11 am on April 18, May 16, July 25, and September 19. Cost is $5 per session or $20 for all four sessions. Registration is required. You do not need to be in 4-H to attend.

Registration is open for 4-H Camp

Sign your child up TODAY! Limited number of spots still available. 4-H Camp is from June 14-18 at Rock River Christian Camp in Polo. Camp is open to ALL youth ages 8-14 as of June 14, 2026. 4-H membership is NOT REQUIRED. Camp fees: $350 (4-H members) or $400 (non-4-H members). Must be paid in full by May 1, or the spot will not be held. Includes lodging (4 nights), meals (11 meals), Canteen (4 afternoons), snacks (4 evenings), Camp t-shirt, and 'camptivities' and supplies.

Rural Business Transitions | Webinar | May 5

Sustaining Local Commerce: The Role of Community-Supported Enterprises in Business Retention- Small towns facing a long-standing business closure due to retirement, or other events, can have organized groups of residents to invest in the business or its structure and reopen it. These locally based efforts can revitalize a community by improving the quality of life and making the area more attractive to prospective residents. This webinar examines several cases and discusses key factors important to their success.

Presenter: Norman Walzer, professor of economics and founding director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs housed at Western Illinois University.

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

Explore events!

Beneficial Insects | Ida Public Library | April 30

Before you get out the bug spray to battle those pesky insects in your garden this year, join us for an educational program to learn about beneficial insects—and how to encourage them to visit your garden! Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most aren’t pests at all. During this program, you’ll learn about: Ladybugs, Green Lacewing Larvae (aka: the Aphid Lion), Hover Flies, Praying Mantids, ...and more! Register here to reserve your spot. This free program is led by a certified Boone County Master Gardener.

Mother's Day Flower Walk | Genoa | May 9

On the day before Mother's Day, Saturday, May 9, come out to the guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. The upland paved path allows people of all abilities to enjoy the flowers. Walks start on the hour at 10 AM. The last walk will start at 1 PM. Two local botany enthusiasts, Karen Matz and Brian Hale, will lead and talk about forest plants and what is blooming. All are welcome on the guided hikes. There is no fee for the walks, and the NREC will be open for visitors. Extension Master Naturalists will be in the Natural Resource Education Center to welcome visitors while they wait for the next walk. Come in and see our wildlife exhibits!

NatureFest 2026 | Genoa | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get ready for the annual NatureFest on Saturday, May 16! Hosted by Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the DeKalb County Health Department. It occurs at the only nature center in DeKalb County, Genoa's Natural Resource Education Center. This family-friendly, free event is perfect for families with elementary-aged children and up. There will be nature-themed hands-on learning activities. The event is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learning topics include turtles, camouflage, insects, river research, and more. Check in at the registration table and pick up a passport and a map of the area.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve and the NREC from 10 AM to 1 PM. Families can take part in multiple hands-on learning activities. Come see T.J. the tortoise (the resident 75-pound African Sulcata tortoise), the other live animal displays, and hike the trails.

Title

We are hiring an Agriculture and Agribusiness Educator

This person will provide program leadership in Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties. A Master's Degree is required. Position will be housed in DeKalb or Ogle County. Full-time, benefit-eligible position. The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness, is expected to concentrate programmatically in Farm Business Management and Marketing with a focus on supporting sustainable practices related to profitability, succession, and natural resources. Application deadline is April 27 at 6 p.m. The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program, and a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.

Deadline to apply: April 27 at 6 p.m.

Apply today!

Events

State 4-H: The Art of Coping

April 22, 2026

State 4-H Public Speaking Contest

April 25, 2026

Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest

April 27, 2026

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest

April 28, 2026

More Events

News Releases

April 22, 2026

Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...

child with clipboard, paper, and pencil outside

April 22, 2026

Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...

Winning scholarship youth pose with a certificate.

April 20, 2026

4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...

April 15, 2026

Volunteers' passion helps to grow the next generation of leaders
OREGON, Ill.— Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming.  University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Ogle County honors over 100 volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.National Volunteer Week is an opportunity...

April 9, 2026

Mother's Day Flower Walks to take place on May 9
GENOA, Ill.— On Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension is offering guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve.  Russell Woods is located 1 mile west of Genoa...

More News Releases

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