Let us help you grow.
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 | March 24
Traditional succession planning is essential to business continuity and stability. This presentation traces its evolution and, through case studies, demonstrates that rigorous plans promote survival through leadership continuity and financial strength, while revealing weaknesses such as inadequate successor preparation, resistance to change, and misaligned objectives. It also examines innovative approaches and alternative models tailored to diverse contexts, highlighting the need for flexibility and stakeholder engagement.
Presenter: Jarvis Tyrell Curry, professor of strategic management, corporate governance, and analytics at the University of the Cumberlands. There is no cost to attend the webinars.
Upcoming Events at the Natural Resource Education Center | Genoa
Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person Testing | Oregon
One date left for in-person pesticide applicator/operator testing in Oregon. Register here today for March 18. Testing takes place at the Ogle County Farm Bureau, 421 W Pines Rd, Oregon, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Herb Gardening | Mount Morris | March 25
Wednesday, March 25, at 6 PM at the Mount Morris Public Library, 105 S McKendrie Ave in Mount Morris: Herb Gardening, a free program from the Ogle County Master Gardeners. Do you love cooking, baking, or crafting fresh cocktails? Growing your own herbs makes everything taste better! Join Ogle County Master Gardener Phil and Marcia for an engaging program on creating your own kitchen herb garden—from seed to plant. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your gardening skills, this session will set you up for success. Register here today!
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!
News Releases
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