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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 | April 7

Examine how ESOPs and other shared-ownership models provide a clearer, more practical framework for succession planning. This webinar provides a framework for understanding broad-based employee ownership and for applying it across three common models: ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts. Rather than focusing on technical mechanics, the session explores how governance and financial rights differ across these models and how workers benefit from ownership in practice, with special attention to their role in business succession and community stability in rural and small-town contexts. Participants will learn a more straightforward, evidence-informed, and practical way to think about employee ownership as a succession-planning option. Presenter: Michael Palmieri, associate director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University. There is no cost to attend the webinars. Sign up here today!

Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa

Explore events!

Swallowtails in Illinois | Belvidere | April 1

Wednesday, April 1, at 6 PM at Ida Public Library, 320 N State St, in Belvidere: a free educational program about swallowtails. Discover the world of Illinois swallowtails and learn how to welcome these stunning pollinators into your own backyard. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, you’ll walk away inspired. Presented by a certified Boone County Master Gardener. Register here today!

Gardening on a Budget | Ogle County locations | April 14

Join Illinois Extension for Gardening on a Budget on April 14 at 10 AM. This free program will take place at two locations in Ogle County: the Mount Morris Senior & Community Center and the Oregon Public Library. Part of the class will be a webinar where participants will learn how starting a container garden can benefit their budget and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies their taste buds. Learn about the start-up expenses for a container garden and plan your produce to supplement your budget. To reserve your spot at the Mount Morris Senior & Community Center, call 815-734-6335. To reserve your spot at the Oregon Public Library, call 815-732-2724.

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!

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 6 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 6 at 6 p.m.

Apply today!

Events

2026 Ready.Set.Grow! Gardening Workshop

March 28, 2026

County

Carroll

Lee

Whiteside

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff Event

March 30, 2026

Master Naturalist Volunteer Training | Oregon | Pre-register by March 13

March 30, 2026

County

Ogle

Swallowtails in Illinois | Belvidere

April 1, 2026

County

Boone

More Events

News Releases

March 25, 2026

Ogle and Carroll County students discover how many farmers it takes to make a Tootsie Roll
OREGON, Ill.— Students across Ogle and Carroll Counties learned how many farmers are behind one of America's most iconic candies. By the end of their lesson, students discovered that it takes at least five different types of farmers to produce all the ingredients for a Tootsie Roll!  ...

A team of youth analyzing a plant and using a book to research crop facts

March 23, 2026

Youth can strengthen crop scouting skills at statewide Illinois Extension competition
URBANA, Ill. — There is no better way to check in on a crop field than to take a walk down a row. Youth looking to strengthen their agronomy skills or share what they already know can do so while competing with a team at the...

March 20, 2026

Succession Planning Workshop offered by Illinois Extension
LENA, Ill.-- Succession planning is essential for farm families but is often overlooked. To help farm families start or continue this process, University of Illinois Extension will offer Starting the Conversation: Farm Succession Planning Strategies and Resources for Illinois Farm Families...

blue background with text Lessons for Living on it

March 18, 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...

March 18, 2026

Boone County Master Gardeners to offer free gardening programs at Ida Public Library
BELVIDERE, Ill.— The Boone County Master Gardeners invite community members to grow their gardening knowledge this spring through free educational programs offered at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere. Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling the library at 815‑544‑...

More News Releases

Programs We Offer

4-H Clubs