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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

Certified Livestock Manager Training | Breese

February 4, 2026

Oglesby Agronomy Summit

February 5, 2026

Certified Livestock Manager Training | Pittsfield

February 5, 2026

Certified Livestock Manager Training | Bloomington

February 6, 2026

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News Releases

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...

Looking at ground level between crop rows with corn growing through cover crop residue

January 30, 2026

Illinois Extension is growing cover crop conversations by connecting farmers to farmers
URBANA, Ill. — What better way to learn about cover crops than from someone already growing them? University of Illinois Extension is offering farmers, producers, landowners, and industry professionals a chance to log on for a free virtual panel on...

January 29, 2026

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments, where they can pose a threat to natural ecosystems and the economy. This spring,...

A heart shaped design made from willow branches hanging outdoors as decor

January 29, 2026

Embrace nature’s snowy season with Illinois Extension Four Seasons winter webinars
URBANA, Ill. — With a bit of creativity and planning, winter activities can still include nature. Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

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Programs We Offer

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